For SVL Building Updates

Building Update

March 22

Building Update #123

Project Report: Ashley Ridge Church fam we have officially closed on the Construction Loan and Groundbreaking is set for April 21st! These 2 BIG ANNOUNCEMENTS were made last Sunday during the worship Service to thunderous applause! So, with only 30 days to go before Groundbreaking, we need your help to get ready! If you were at the Family Meeting Sunday or listened to it on-line, then you know Pastor Jenn had two specific “asks” of the congregation:

1) that everyone fill-out a new Now Here Capital Campaign (NHCC) Commitment Card

2) that everyone support the Building Project with an initial gift between now and the April 21st Groundbreaking (cards are available on Sunday mornings and/or online at ashleyridgechurch.org/commit/ )

I am very pleased to report that 32 Commitments Cards have already been received so far for a total of $339,300 pledged! If you haven’t filled-out a commitment card, please consider doing so at your earliest convenience. Thank you for your support in building ARC a permanent home! 

-Derrick Horres, Building Project Leader

Building Update

March 13

Building Update #122

Project Update: Ok, Ashley Ridge Church “fam,” we have a monumental Family Meeting this Sunday during worship service! I have been to several Family Meetings over the past 4 ½ years as the Building Project Leader, and I can tell you without a doubt this is the most anticipated, the most excited I have been about a Family Meeting and the future plans for Ashley Ridge Church. Don’t want to steal Pastor Jenn’s thunder & lighting, but I can tell you this much, you don’t want to miss this Sunday, March 17th! An amazing spring is blooming for us, and it’s just around the corner!!! Come be apart of all the excitement this Sunday!!!

Let us acknowledge the LORD; let us press on to acknowledge him. As surely as the sun rises, he will appear; he will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth.” -Hosea 6:3

-Derrick Horres, Building Project Leader

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Building Update

January 30

Building Update 121

Project Report: If you were at church on Sunday or watched online, then you heard Pastor Jenn talk at the end about all the amazing news on the building front recently (see below):

1) The church has received a Commitment Letter from the bank for the Construction Loan with the Closing tentatively scheduled for February 1st! Hallelujah!!!

2) Cypress Engineering is diligently tying-up loose end on sitework permits!

3) Equip Studio has completed the construction plans for the new facility & campus, and Trident Construction (GC) will be submitting these to the County for building permits!

4) The Staff is working closely with Trident Construction (GC) on scheduling & logistics for a Groundbreaking in the next month or so! SO, stay tuned for the BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!!!

Financial Report: January MTD giving currently stands at $72,637 as of 1/30/2024. January 2023 was $76,815. So, Ashley Ridge just needs $4,178 by the end of the month to make Comp!

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Building Update

January 11

Building Update 120

2023 Reflections: 2023 was an incredible year at Ashley Ridge Church, and its ministries hit new levels of growth, outreach & service to our Summerville community! The Building Project is secondary to these incredible ministries which do so much for so many, and this is as it should be. Pastor Jenn will tell you I can get tunnel vision at times thinking about the mission & accomplishing the mission. As the Building Project Leader since late 2019, it’s true! I have been focused like a laser beam on building a new permanent home base. We all have a part to play in completing this valuable task and am personally thankful for my roll & your support over the past year to this worthy endeavor! May 2024 be the best year, yet!!!

-Derrick Horres, Building Project Leader

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Building Update

December 31

Building Update 119

Project Notes: The BIG New Year’s Eve question is not whether Alabama will beat Michigan in the Rose Bowl as that is small potatoes compared to the really BIG question of whether Ashley Ridge will make a run at the $1MIL mark in total giving for 2023! Ok, Ashley Ridge Church fam, it’s late in the 4th Quarter with less than 10 hours to go in 2023, and AR is just $37,774 away from reaching the $1MIL mark in total giving. We will need a slue of on-line donations between now & midnight tonight to reach this mammoth goal. 2024 looks to be a major transitional year for Ashley Ridge Church with the ground breaking and subsequent construction of its new permanent facility, and we want everyone to be apart of this next exciting phase!!!

-Derrick Horres, Building Project Leader

 

Building Update

December 30

Building Update 118

Project Notes: Yes, we are counting down the hours until we say “goodbye” to 2023 and “hello” to 2024! The Building Project has had some ups & downs in 2023 that’s for sure! But, the Building Team is determined to persevere and make 2024 “the year” Ashley Ridge breaks ground on its new permanent home base. To that end, before we officially say so long & farewell to 2023, let’s see what we can do to finish even stronger and create as much margin while we still can with 2023 End-Of Year (EOY) giving. Ashley Ridge Church is already having its best year ever with contributions totaling a whopping $956,686!!! That is correct $956,686!!! AND, we are only $24,561 from having our best giving month ever and $43,314 from hitting the $1MIL mark!!!

-Derrick Horres, Building Project Leader

 

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Building Update

December 28

Building Update 117

Project Notes: Hard to believe we are just 3 days away from 2024! AND, we are sooooo close to hitting the $1MIL mark in TOTAL giving in 2023 with just $46,383 to go! You should have received an email from Pastor Jenn about End-Of-Year (EOY) giving. With EOY giving, Ashley Ridge can make a serious “run” at the $1MIL mark. Since the church has already met its Operating Budget, this additional margin can all go to the Building Project. Equip Studio is working hard on construction plans and should have them completed in January. The construction plans are a major expense, but if we can hit the $1MIL mark, we will be able to pay this in-full when invoiced without having to tap into its Reserve Fund which will be needed down the road!

-Derrick Horres, Building Project Leader

 

Building Update

December 21

Building Update 116 – Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh

Financial Notes: Ashley Ridge is in the middle of a giving surge where December MTD & YTD numbers are increasing almost by the hour! Part of this is the Christmas Offering combined with General Fund giving, but AR is also seeing an increase in the Building Fund as it’s having its best month since last August. I think it’s the “Weird Generosity” that Pastor Jenn has been talking about combined with the desire & determination for the church to have its own permanent home base from which to carry out its ministries. This all makes me think of the Three Wise Men and their best gifts of Gold, Frankincense & Myrrh to honor the baby Jesus!!! See you Sunday at one of our Christmas Eve Services!

-Derrick Horres, Building Project Leader

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Building Update

December 19

Building Update 115

Project Notes: Don’t forget, we will have two identical worship services THIS Sunday at 9:15am & 10:45 am at ARHS! You just won’t want to miss THIS Sunday! It is going to be simply amazing!!!

Financial Notes: Ashley Ridge smashed through the $900K mark In total annual giving last Sunday with the 2023 Christmas Offering which currently stands at $22,166 . If you got rained-out/flooded-out due to the storm, you can still make a Christmas Offering this week or before the end of the year. With 12 days remaining in the year, we are only $77,059 away from hitting $1MIL! This is all creating valuable margin for funding the building project!

-Derrick Horres, Building Project Leader

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Building Update

December 15

Building Update 114

Wanted to give everyone the latest MTD & YTD giving numbers! Ashley Ridge is having a strong finish to 2023 in so many ways, financially included! The church is already $44,145 over last year’s total giving or 105.2% of Comp with a half month still to go in 2023! That is fantastic!!! THANK YOU!!! We should blast through the $900K mark this Sunday if not before! Just a reminder, we will be receiving our Christmas Offering this Sunday, December 17th. The Christmas Offering this year will go to paying building project expenses. You can also give online! 2024 is coming-up fast, and I think we are all ready for a ground breaking!!!

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Building Update

December 12

Building Update 113

Christmas Offering: You should have received a Christmas Offering envelop in the mail recently along with Pastor Jenn’s Christmas Letter. The Christmas Offering, as she says in the letter, will go directly to paying Building Project expenses. Ashley Ridge has been successful in moving the project forward with internal contributions and is why we are soooooo close to ground breaking! The Christmas Offering will be received during worship this Sunday, December 17th. You can also give online!!!

Project Notes: To date, the church has paid $1,020,590 in project expenses which include 100% of Land cost (12 acres), 94.6% of Civil Engineering fees and 57.0% of Architectural & Engineering (A&E) fees. During the past 4 years since the restart of the Building Program, AR has been able to fund the project internally thanks to your generous contributions! On the site permitting front, AR has received two important approvals in the past 24 hours (Land Disturbance & SCDOT Driveway Encroachment)! Let’s hear it for Cypress Engineering, LLC!!! Way to go! The next big expense coming our way is for actual building plans which will be completed by Dec. 31st. When competed, Ashley Ridge will owe a balance of $98,460 to Equip Studio. Wouldn’t it be great have this PAID-IN-FULL!!!

-Derrick Horres, Building Project Leader

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Building Update

December 5

Building Update 112

A lot of project news to share! First, the Architectural Review Board (ARB) for Summers Corner has approved the redesigned facility & site plan. Equip Studio & Cypress Engineering did an outstanding job with the redesign effort, and it was noted by the ARB. Second, Equip Studio is working hard on the construction plans for the new facility. So much so, they are planning on having this done before the end of the year. Yay!!! Cypress Engineering is also working hard on site work permits and anticipate these being in place sometimes in January 2024. Third, Ashley Ridge Church continues its march toward $1MIL in giving in 2023!

~Derrick Horres, Building Project Leader


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Building Update

December 2

Building Update 111

Have some ***BREAKING NEWS*** to share! As of December 1st @ 3:12pm, Ashley Ridge has made Comp for 2023 which means, we have already exceeded last year’s total giving by $4,416. With 30 Days Left in Year, Ashley Ridge Church has the real opportunity to reach $1MIL in giving for the first time in its history (see above)! To accomplish this incredible feat, we would need a HUGE December of $150,131 in total giving, though! Blasting through the $1MIL mark in giving would generate valuable margin for the building project to pay expenses and put the church in a more favorable position with the bank providing the construction loan.

– Derrick Horres, Building Project Leader

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Building Update

November 16

Building Update 110

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Ashley Ridge Church is VERY close to making Comp (Comparable) in 2023 with just $37,287 remaining to beat last year’s record of $852, 388 in total contributions! This is creating valuable margin for the building project between now and the end of the year! THANK YOU!!! for your continued support!!!

Project Notes: The NOW.HERE Capital Campaign (NHCC) is off and running and Adjusted commitments with increases from last year and brand New commitments are being received! This is helping us close the funding gap between what we have raised internally to date along with what we can finance with the bank, and what we still need to cover the project budget.

Derrick Horres- Building Project Leader

Building Update

November 10

Building Update 109

Project Notes: Ashley Ridge Church “fam” I was thinking about Pastor Jenn’s message last week on generosity (& money), and how we are building for the future. We are getting sooooo close to breaking ground on the new AR permanent home base! I can picture it all: the heavy equipment rolling-in from Trident Construction and removing the tree stumps and clearing the land. Survey stakes marking where the building will sit, and dump trucks hauling in fresh dirt for the building pad” Yes, it’s getting real after so much time & energy expended paying-off the land, negotiating contracts & utility easements, securing a construction loan and planning & executing internal fundraising efforts. As we prepare for Commitment Sunday, I am thinking we would not have made it this far without your continued generosity! While we still have challenges ahead, I can honestly say that the Ashley Ridge Church congregation are some of the most dedicated people I have ever come across and am so thankful we are in this great task together!

-Derrick Horres, Building Project Leader

 

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Building Update

November 6

Building Update 108

Ashley Ridge Church “fam,” I need your help! We need to close the remaining budget & funding gap that Pastor Jenn talked about yesterday at the end of the worship service. If you missed it, please go back and view on the church’s Facebook or YouTube channel. This Sunday, November 12th, is Commitment Sunday for the capital campaign where we are going to attempt to do precisely that, “close the budget & funding gap!” To do this, we need your help! If you haven’t filled-out a Commitment Card, please consider doing so, and if you filled one out last year, please consider increasing your commitment as you are able this year (your new 2023 Commitment Card will replace the one completed in 2022). Thank you!!

-Derrick Horres, Building Project Leader

 

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Building Update

November 1

Building Update 107

Ok, Ashley Ridge Church “fam,” we have 2 months to go in 2023, and Ashley Ridge has already met its Operating Budget for the year. This means everything that comes-in between now and the end of 2023 goes to the building project. Hopefully, you were able to attend one of the 3 Family Meetings last month and heard all the latest on the building project. If you didn’t, Pastor Jenn is hitting some of the high points this Sunday in week #3 of her new message series – WEIRD! You don’t want to miss it! Also, please put Commitment Sunday, November 12th on your calendar! Thank you for your support!

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Building Update

October 23

Building Update 106

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Ok, Ashley Ridge Church “fam,” the Family Meetings are on! We had the first of 3 after church yesterday. There are 2 more with this evening’s at 6 pm at the Legend Oaks Pavilion and tomorrow at 6 pm, The Ponds Farmhouse. We have new renderings from our architects at Equip Studio! We can’t wait to show them to you! Also, Ashley Ridge Church is officially over the Operating Budget with 70 Days Left in Year! That is amazing!!! Now, we can concentrate on adding to our Margin & Building Fund in preparation for breaking ground after the 1st of the Year!

Building Update

October 17

Building Project Update 105

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Building Update

October 5

Building Project Update 104

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Building Update

September 12

Building Project Update 103

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Building Update

July 6

Building Update 102 – Project Progress and Financial Report

Building Update 102  –  Project Progress & Financial Report

July 6, 2023

I hope everyone had a fantastic July 4th Celebration! We are truly blessed in so many ways to live in this great country! As I mentioned in my last update, we are in the Summer of Liquidity where we are making a focused effort to increase our financial position & liquidity in preparation for constructing our permanent homebase.  And, we continue to grind-out hard-fought progress on the building front!

Project Progress.  These are NOT just words on paper as we (AR Building Team) have made significant progress across the board in the past few weeks:

-Met with Dorchester County Water Authority (DCWA) and received permission to run one 8”waterline to AR property from Hwy. 165 vice two lines which would have been much more costly

Cypress Engineering, LLC is moving forward with Civil Permitting to secure required permits for land disturbance & sitework

-Working with a local bank to “seal the deal” on the construction loan in the amount needed to build Phase I facility & campus

-Increasing AR Liquidity with the Summer of Liquidity in preparation for paying building costs not covered by the Construction Loan and/or Margin

Financial Report.  It’s been a while since I gave a Financial Report, so I thought I would take the time to give everyone the latest giving numbers (see below):

-Contributions for June:  $82,729

-Contributions for 2023 (YTD):  $465,785 or 54.6% of Comp

-Building Fund Balance:  $20,897*

*Summer of Liquidity goal to increase the Building Fund to $100K

 Hard to believe but we are already halfway through the year!  AND, we want this to be the year we break ground!!!  We can do this, T-O-G-E-T-H-E-R!!!  

SO, if you would like to make a contribution to help AR increase its Liquidity via the Building Fund (or General Fund), you can do so here.

Derrick Horres, AR Building Project Leader

Building Update

June 22

Building Update 101 – Summer of Liquidity

Building Update 101 – Summer of Liquidity

 June 22, 2023

Yesterday was the first official day of summer – yay! What do your summer plans include? As a church, our summer plans include increasing our financial liquidity in preparation to receive construction loan approval and build our new permanent home base.

We are working diligently to secure the necessary financing to move forward with the building project!  AND, we need your help – BIG time!  The bank financing needs to be in place for Equip Studio to complete our construction plans, and to begin site work on our Phase 1 facility as soon as possible!

To that end, we need to move the proverbial needle this summer (between now and the end of August). Specifically, we are moving the needle to increase Liquidity by:

                1)  Increasing our Reserve Fund by $100K

                2)  Increasing our financial margin to pay ongoing Building Project expenses in addition to meeting our operational budget

                3)  Encouraging everyone to fill-out a NOW.HERE. Capital Campaign Commitment Card 

In the real estate world you hear it’s all about, Location!  Location!  Location!  In the financial world right now it’s all about, Liquidity!  Liquidity!  Liquidity! SO, please give as you are able over the summer to help us accomplish the above important financial goals.  We can do this, Ashley Ridge!

You can make a contribution to help us qualify for the Construction Loan here.

Derrick Horres

AR Building Project Leader

Building Update

May 19

Building Update 100 – A New Way Forward, Part II

Building Update 100!

A New Way Forward II

May 19, 2023

It’s hard to believe we are on Building Update 100!  Where has the time gone? In some ways it seems like just yesterday and in some ways it’s been a long, hard road full of twists and turns.  But, we are still here and still plugging away. AND, we are NOT going to let you down!  Sometimes, I think success depends more on patience and perseverance than anything else!

SO, we (the Building Team) want to say a “BIG” thank you to all of the Ashley Ridge “fam” who have stuck with us through thick and thin. You have been our cheerleaders when things have gone well and offered prayers and support when they haven’t. Your continued support keeps us going and I want y’all to know how much it is appreciated!

I also want to give everyone a quick update on where we are in the Building Project: We have successfully navigated the choppy waters of utility easements, swap deals, closings, etc. to this point – the point where we have laid the necessary logistical foundation for a new permanent “home base.”  Only one major obstacle stands in our path – Financing.

As the Building Team seeks to secure a financial path forward for the project, there is one thing we can all do to increase our chances for success, and that is to give to Ashley Ridge Church, thereby increasing the church’s liquidity. Liquidity is just a fancy word for an organization’s ability to convert assets to cash, or acquire cash to pay its short-term liabilities. To receive a loan, a company or organization must have and demonstrate sufficient liquidity to pay its obligations during challenging and turbulent economic times like we are in now with high inflation and interest rates.

SO, if you would like to make a contribution to the Building Fund or General Fund to help us qualify for the Construction Loan, you can give here. 

NOTE:  Don’t forget, this coming Sunday at 4 pm, we will have Prayer & Pizza on the land where Ashley Ridge Church will build its permanent home base. You are NOT going to want to miss this exciting event in the life of the church!

Derrick Horres

AR Building Project Leader

Building Update

May 12

Building Update 099 – “A New Way Forward”

Building Update 099

“A New Way Forward”

 May 12, 2023

I am going to make this update short & sweet!  Today, I would like to “piggy-back” on Pastor Jenn’s recently sent-out email entitled the same, “A New Way Forward.”  This is about as important of an email as it gets, so please read!

As the Building Project Leader, I am in a unique position to see all the “nitty gritty” details that go into moving the project forward. It is painstaking and it is tedious to make sure we have all of our bases covered all of the time, and we just got thrown a curve ball. The external financing piece has always been the long pole in the tent from the very beginning, and even though it is the last major piece of the of puzzle before we can turn our General Contractor (GC) loose, it was and still is the toughest “nut” to crack.

All that being said, Ashley Ridge Church “fam” is tough, too!  There is an old saying, “when the going gets tough, the tough get going!” We are working on “A New Way Forward” BUT, one thing we can all do now to expedite financing for the project is to increase our Reserve Fund (thereby increasing our liquidity). That’s what banks are looking for in the current environment.

I am encouraging everyone to make an extra contribution this month to build our Reserve Fund to $500K from where it is now which is approximately $350K. The larger our Reserve Fund the better shape we are in to receive that pesky & elusive Construction Loan needed to break ground on our new Facility & Campus!

SO, if you would like to make a contribution to building the Reserve Fund via the Building Fund or General Fund, you can do so here.

Derrick Horres, AR Building Project Leader

Building Update

May 2

Building Update 098 – BBQ and Baptisms

Building Update 098

“BBQ & Baptisms”

May 2, 2023

From time to time I like to take a break from the usual Building Updates and focus on a specific event(s) in the life of Ashley Ridge Church which highlight the mission and ministry of our church.  This is one such update and hope you receive some enjoyment as well as inspiration from the events of the past weekend:

It was a BIG weekend at Ashley Ridge Church this past Saturday & Sunday!  From the amazing EXPANDING THE TABLE “BBQ FOR A CAUSE” fundraiser on Saturday to the incredible 8 Baptisms on Sunday morning, it truly doesn’t get better than this!  It is what we at Ashley Ridge Church are all about, and it’s a privilege to be a part of it!

Let’s start first with the “BBQ FOR A CAUSE” – A Review:  The whole event was organized to the hilt & ran like a Swiss Clock which left a Retired US Marine Logistician very impressed!  Great planning & execution, John Walker!!!  With our 2 tickets in hand, Pam & I took the short ride up to the Dorchester Boat Club Saturday afternoon and enjoyed the scenery along the way up & down Hwy. 61.  When we arrived at the State Park turn-off, we were met with a sign about every 50’ feet showing us the way.  No getting lost here!  It was a glorious day for a drive and whomever ordered the weather deserves special mention.

When we got to the entrance of the Boat Club, we were met by Karsten “Hot Wings Challenge” McElfresh and his trusty click board & highlighter to check us off the list.  If you forgot your ticket, no problem, Karsten had you covered!  Also, the “Grill Master” himself, David Ray, was there in-person with Karsten to greet people and say hello!  Talk about “the chef” coming to your table!

I have to admit just seeing David Ray’s delectable FB posts of past grilled culinary masterpieces were enough to make me jealous (green with envy) I wasn’t there to taste & enjoy the experience!  If you have seen them, then you know exactly what I mean!

After receiving directions, we proceeded to a circle in front of the Food Truck to await our pick-up order.  Didn’t have to get out the car!  I could hear the “pit crew” volunteers in the background enjoying the camaraderie of the day.

We received our “to go” dinners and headed home.  The meal was delicious & downright tasty – a slice of fresh white bread, generous portions of tender pull-pork BBQ, hash & rice, baked beans & creamy banana pudding for dessert!  We thoroughly enjoyed the meal and the event!  Great job to all the many volunteers who made this possible!

If you somehow missed this one, I recommend you make sure you don’t miss the next.  The proceeds from the event go to help feeding those in need and this food truck deserves our support!  AND, it’s not too late to contribute to the worthy cause!  If you would like to make a donation to EXPANDING THE TABLE (Food Truck), you can do so online by going to their website at:  expandingthetable.com

Second, Baptisms always make for a special & memorable worship experience at Ashley Ridge Church!  Pastor Jenn makes sure of that!  I was there the day she caught the Baptismal Pool skirt on fire (fortunately we were outside due to COVID) and I do think it’s prudent for James to keep a bucket of water and/or fire extinguisher close by just in case.

With 8 Baptisms this past Sunday, the service could have run long, but Pastor Jenn has broken the code on how to keep things moving along while at the same time giving each person special attention and a unique, moving experience.

After this weekend, it makes me think we all have a special role and purpose at Ashley Ridge Church.  It took so many dedicated people to make the events of this past weekend happen! God gives us each an ability to participate in his Kingdom here on earth.  Not all of us can be a Grill Master (I can’t boil an egg), but we each have a gift and can do our part to make sure Ashley Ridge Church is the very best it can be!

If you would like to get involved, help serve on the Expanding THE TABLE Food Truck, join a Small Group or become a volunteer at Ashley Ridge Church, then please contact Len Banks, Connections Pastor, at:  len@ashleyridgechurch.org

Derrick Horres                                                                                

AR Building Project Leader

 

Building Update

April 18

Building Update 097 – Groundbreaking Ceremony, May 21st!

Building Update 097

“Groundbreaking Ceremony, May 21st!”

 April 18, 2023

If you were at church this past Sunday or at the packed Easter Service, then you already know we are having the Groundbreaking Ceremony for our new building on Sunday, May 21st at 4 pm!  Yes, that’s right, Groundbreaking Ceremony on Sunday, May 21st at 4 pm on our Ashley Ridge Church property, right next to Ashley Ridge High School!  For those of you (like me) that just want to see it one more time:

“Groundbreaking Ceremony on Sunday, May 21st at 4 pm!”

You will be receiving more information about this momentous occasion from Pastor Jenn & James very soon!  And, please put this on your calendar today!  You can say you were there and remember when Pastor Jenn (with appropriate hard hat & teal shovel) put the first dig in the ground!

Building Project News:  The permitting process is ongoing, but we should have what we need to begin site work sometime in June.  Meanwhile, Equip Studio is diving into the construction documents, and our financial team has been working diligently with the local bank, providing them with the information and financial documents needed for activating our construction loan.

Our biggest current need is to replenish the building fund as we head into site work this summer. While the Construction Loan will be our main source of financing for the project, it will not cover everything, nor do we want to finance that large of an amount.  The more we raise internally the less we have to borrow and pay interest on (and the more we will have to support our future ministry)!

I think this is a good time to say “thank you” for all your continued financial support, commitment and dedication to getting us to this point. There have been a lot of prayers for this new building, and it has sustained us through all the difficulties and challenges we have faced thus far.

If you would like to help replenish the Building Fund in preparation for site work to begin, you can do so here.

Derrick Horres                                                                                

AR Building Project Leader

Building Update

March 24

Building Update 96 – “Check in the Box”

“Check in the Box!!!”

March 24, 2023

 

Closing on the Land – As you probably may have already heard, AR closed on the land (12 acre parcel next to ARHS) on Friday, March 10th! Yay!!!! This has been a long time coming, but we now officially own the land and can put that “Check in the Box!” Double yay!!! Also, we received the address (for what will be the new Ashley Ridge Church facility & campus) from Dorchester County P & Z (see below):

9815 Delemar Highway Summerville, SC 29485

There is more exciting news in that we received the signed Easement Agreement back from DCSD-2 for utility access! That’s another BIG “Check in the Box!” SO, what this all means is things are really hopping with regards to the building project! And, we are gaining valuable momentum and getting one step closer to a completed ARC facility & campus with each new “Check in the Box!” Go AR!!!

Next Steps – Due to the high cost of building material & labor (not to mention still rising interest rates) and to make sure we are receiving the best value for our money and being good stewards of church funds, the Building Team has put the ARC Phase 1 Building Project out for competitive bid. This means we will be receiving Pricing (bids) from at least three different local, established General Contractors (GCs).

NOTE: The deadline for AR to receive Pricing (bids) back is Friday, March 31st! More on this to come!!! SO, stay tuned!!!

Building Fund – With closing costs, architect fees and ongoing civil engineering & permitting, AR has been spending a great deal of its accumulated Building Funds and is in need of replenishment! So far, the building project has been self- financed by your generous contributions to Ashley Ridge Church! SO, like I said earlier, with each “Check in the Box,” AR gets a little closer to a completed new facility & campus! All contributions will be greatly appreciated!!!

If you would like to help replenish the Building Fund by putting a “Check in the Box,” you can do so Sunday during worship or by giving on-line via the church website: ashleyridgechurch.org

Derrick Horres

AR Building Project Leader

Building Update

March 14

Building Update 95 – We Are Closed!

WE DID IT!

Yep… we are now the proud owners of 12 acres of high ground right next door to Ashley Ridge High School where our home base will be built. God has moved some serious mountains to get to this point, and we couldn’t be more excited for what’s to come. This land swap represents months of diligent work by the board of trustees, leadership team, staff, and building teams. The easement agreements are signed, the zoning is approved, and land disturbance, storm water, DHEC, and other necessary permits are already in process.

It’s an exciting time around here, but it’s just the beginning. Let’s lean in together, pray expectantly, and give generously to see this project through to completion.  The best is yet to come!

For updates and to make a financial commitment to the building project visit https://ashleyridgechurch.org/now-here/

Building Update

February 21

Building Update 094 – Close to Closing

Building Update 094

“Close to Closing”

 February 21, 2023

I wanted to give everyone an exciting update on where we are with the Building Project: After 3 arduous years of battling COVID, economic headwinds (to include but not limited to searing inflation & rapidly rising interest rates) and a host of other challenges, I am beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel as we are finally “Close to Closing” on the Swap Land.  Praise the Lord!!!

AR has made significant progress toward Closing in the past few weeks (see below):

-DC Planning approved the Special District-3 zoning on February 9th which allows AR to Close on the 12 acre parcel (Swap Land) next to ARHS

-Received a favorable Term Sheet from the local bank providing the Construction Loan on February 9th

-Have submitted the Easement Agreement & Easement Exhibit to DD-2 for final approval which when received back will secure utilities – access & service

-Our Attorney, Catherine LaFond, is working with Lennar’s Legal Counsel this week to produce the much anticipated Memorandum of Agreement (MOA)

-Building Team met last week with Cypress Engineering to finalize the Site Plan

-AR Staff is meeting this week with Equip Studio to plan & select the final touches of the building interior    

 Financial Report.  Also, I wanted to give everyone a quick update on how we are doing since the beginning of the year.  Ashley Ridge ended January with contributions totaling $76,285.  February’s giving so far totals $46,413 as of the 18th!  This sets a fast pace and is a great start to 2023!  Keep-up the good work, AR!!!

All of the above has us on schedule to Close on the Swap Land on or before March 3rd!  This key milestone will open to door to move forward on several fronts (permitting, bank financing, construction documents, etc.) which should allow AR to break ground in early spring.  SO, Buckle-up your seat belts!!!

We still have some internal fundraising challenges to overcome, so if you would like to make a contribution to the Building Fund or General Fund, you can do so at any time here.

Derrick Horres                                                                                

AR Building Project Leader

Building Update

January 13

Results Update 05

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Building Update

December 30

Building Update 093 – “All I Want for Christmas”

Building Update 093

“All I Want For Christmas!”

 December 30, 2022

CHRISTMAS MORNING 2022:  It’s Christmas Day, and I am sitting here just thinking about Christmas, and what it means to me (Wasn’t going to write a building update today but something inside says sit down and start typing).  And, I am thinking about all those that haven’t come to know Jesus, and what they are missing.  The feeling of peace, love, joy and security of having a personal Savior wraps around me like a warm blanket on a very cold day.  It’s just the best feeling I could have right now at this very moment!  It’s perfect!

I will be the first to admit I have been VERY BLESSED!  God has been SO good to me and my family and to be able to give back is an honor and privilege that I do not take for granted.  With so much need out there it’s overwhelming at times, and it can be easy for me to become desensitized and distracted to the needs of others located all around me.  I think I need to do more!

On this Christmas Day 2022 as I contemplate, “What do I really want for Christmas this year, next year and the year after?”  It’s an easy answer, a home base for Ashley Ridge Church.  Not just a building on a piece of land but a place where people will come and feel safe – a sanctuary from the world and for the world; where others can and will get to know Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior.  That’s it, “All I what for Christmas!”

We have made a lot of plans to break ground on the AR home base in 2023 and begin land preparation & sitework, but as the Building Project Team Leader, I can tell you we still have some major work to do on financing the project.  The increase in margin from the 100 commitments received to date for the NOW. HERE. Capital Campaign will help, the Construction Loan will help and the current level of contributions to the Building Fund will help, but all those taken together will not get us all the way down the road and close the funding gap.

While AR has set a new annual giving record in 2022 with contributions totaling $822,938 YTD (as of December 26th) and that should be celebrated, inflation is also still surging the price of building material & labor. The cost per square foot for new construction has risen dramatically in the past three years from $225 per sqft to over $325+ per sqft!  And, Land Preparation & Sitework has risen from $250K per acre to over $350K per acre!

There is a hard reality before us which will need to be overcome in 2023 to make the AR home base a reality.  I pray for guidance and wisdom for me and the Building Team, so we can overcome the financing challenges before us, and I ask you be in prayer for the Building Team and the Building Project that we will have the perseverance & endurance to see the project through to completion.  There are so many out there we may not even know that are depending on us!

AR has overcome so many of the building project’s logistical challenges to date it would take too much time and space to even make a list of them.  But, the financing of the building project will be the toughest “nut to crack.”  It’s the long pole in the tent!  But, when we do finally “crack” that seemingly impenetrable nut, it will mean a permanent “home base” for Ashley Ridge Church in the Summerville Community.   And, that is worth all the hard work, effort and financial sacrifice to make it happen!

Financial Report.  Wanted to also give everyone a quick almost end of year financial report on where we currently stand.  As of December 26th, the Christmas Offering has received $31,019Giving has totaled $110,871 MTD making this the second best month on record just behind the $120,621 received earlier this year in May.  I believe we still have a shot at breaking this record!

To put AR in the best possible position moving forward into the 2023, a surge of End-Of-Year (EOY) giving would also really help replenish our Building Fund.  The next phase of Land Preparation & Sitework will be VERY expensive and the more we can pay upfront the better off we will be moving forward with the project in 2023.  Any EOY contribution received will help and be greatly appreciated!!!

If you would like to make a Christmas Offering, End-Of-Year gift or fill-out a NOW. HERE.Commitment Card, you can do so on-line via the church website:  ashleyridgechurch.org

Derrick Horres                                                                                

AR Building Project Leader

Building Update

December 21

Building Update 092 – “Celebration”

Building Update 092

“Celebration”

 December 21, 2022

‘Tis the season to celebrate the birth of the baby Jesus in a manger!  As the shepherds looked on in what would become the first Christmas, they must have been in awe of the groundbreaking, world-changing moment!  Don’t you wish you could have been there?

Yes, the excitement, anticipation and celebration of the season are upon us in so many ways!  We have just had our “Shovel Ready” Sunday and another ground-breaking, world-changing moment lies just ahead for Ashley Ridge Church in the New Year.  And this time, we can all be there!

Project Update.  To that end, the permits needed to begin sitework have been applied for by Cypress Engineering, LLC.  All I can say is – YES!!!  Since permitting for the Sitework has a 4-6 months approval process, the Building Team is using this time to move forward on several other building project fronts:

  1. Equip Studio has been given the green light by the AR Board to proceed into Design Development (DD) after which will come Construction Docs.
  2. Lennar has completed the Traffic Study required for the SD-3 Zoning application and has been submitted to Dorchester County for approval.
  3. AR is putting the finishing touches on the Easement Agreement with Dorchester County School District-2 for water & sewer access.
  4. The AR Finance Team continues to coordinate with the local bank providing the Construction Loan.
  5. The NOW. HERE. Capital Campaign is in full swing with commitments coming in to help self-finance a portion of the building project costs.

Financial Update.  AR is having a great year with regards to giving, and it’s not over yet!  Contributions this year total $795,800 YTD.  This is 106.1% of Comp (meaning AR has exceeded last year’s giving by $46,029).  Now that the prior year giving total has bit the dust, AR is taking aim at the all-time annual record set in 2020 of $811,475.  We just need another $15,676 to set a new annual giving record for 2022!  Can we do it???  As my Dad use to say, “You better believe it!!!

With regards to the NOW. HERE. Capital Campaign, AR has received 100 commitments cards since the campaign kicked-off back on September 25th.  The interim goal is 150.  The campaign is essential to increasing operating margin and being able to self-finance a portion of the building project costs.

I would like to take a moment at this time to thank you, Ashley Ridge Church Family, for all your support and generosity of the past year and want to wish everyone a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

If you would like to make a Christmas Offering, End-of-Year gift or fill-out a NOW. HERE.Commitment Card, you can do so on-line via the church website:  ashleyridgechurch.org.

Derrick Horres                                                                                

AR Building Project Leader

Building Update

December 20

Results Update 04

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Building Update

November 29

Results Update 03

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Building Update

November 15

Building Update 091 – “Shovel-Ready”

Building Update 091

“Shovel Ready”

November 15, 2022

We are getting close to the holiday season and are not too far off from saying goodbye to 2022.  As I look back at 2022, I can see we have made significant progress on the building front.  While it may not have been quite as fast as we all would have liked, it’s major progress just the same!  Slow & steady wins the race!!!

We have completed some significant milestones and accomplishments recently with regards to the building project which should make Ashley Ridge Church “Shovel Ready” to begin Land Preparation on the new church campus in early 2023.  Here’s a summary of recent accomplishments and milestones:

  1. Architectural Schematic Design (SD) completed by Equip Studio
  2. Civil Schematic Design (SD) completed by Cypress Engineering, LLC
  3. Civil SD set submitted to Dorchester County P & Z for permitting
  4. Architectural SD set submitted to Trident Construction (GC) for Pricing
  5. Finalizing Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Lennar for post construction improvements & repair of the access road & easements
  6. Finalizing utility easement agreement (water & sewer) with DD2 school district
  7. Launched the NOW. HERE. Capital Campaign to help finance the cost of the building project (see update below)

The NOW. HERE Capital Campaign (NHCC) officially kicked-off on Sunday, September 25, 2022. Since then the church has received 96 Commitment Cards as of November 8th.  The goal is to have 150 Commitments in-hand by the end of 2022.  If you have not made a commitment yet, please consider doing so as every commitment gets us a little closer to getting that “shovel in the ground!”    

NOTE:  The NHCC is a two year campaign to generate funds for the building project and qualify for the construction loan.  A successful capital campaign will allow AR to self-finance at least part of the building project cost and conserve valuable financial resources and save on mortgage loan interest.

If you would like to fill-out a NOW. HERE. Commitment Card, you can do so by attending the worship service on Sunday where cards are available or on-line here.

Derrick Horres                                                                                

AR Building Project Leader

Building Update

November 10

Results Update 02

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Building Update

October 18

Results Update 01

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Building Update

October 11

Building Update 090, “Momentum Building”

Building Update 090 – “Momentum Building”

October 11, 2022

A LOT is happening on the building front this month and would like to hit a few of the “biggies” enabling us to build momentum and move forward with the project:

  • Our civil engineer, Will Rogan, has gotten “Will Serve” letters (no pun intended) from all the utility providers i.e. power, water, sewer & internet/cable/fiber for the new site.
  • Troy Powell is working with Lennar on the revised Special District plan application to Dorchester County Planning & Zoning.“Troy, keep-up the good work!”
  • Equip Studio is finishing-up the updated floor plan & site plan Schematic Design (SD) and should have this completed and available for Pricing from our General Contractor in a couple of weeks. “Go Equip go!”                                               

Our NOW. HERE Capital Campaign is in full swing with 92 Commitment Cards submitted as of October 10th. Pastor Jenn and Allen Terry, AR Financial Team Leader, shared this past Sunday on the results so far, and how we are “Momentum Building” toward our goal of creating a permanent home base for Ashley Ridge Church in the Summerville community and beyond.

This financial piece is absolutely critical with respect to building working capital and margin internally, and qualifying for the construction loan via a local bank externally. With that in mind, the 92 commitments received out of the 200 active AR giving units thus far, represents a 46% Participation Rate, and we are just getting started!  We really need everyone pulling on the rope with this one! Can we count you in?

The increased margin from a successful capital campaign will allow us to self-finance at least part of the building project cost and conserve valuable financial resources and save on mortgage interest.  SO, if you haven’t had a chance to fill-out & submit a Commitment Card, please do so on or before October 31st.

Derrick Horres                                                                                

AR Building Project Leader

Building Update

September 24

Building Update 89 – Countermeasures

Building Update 089

“Countermeasures”

 

 

September 24, 2022

You may have noticed that we are living in a time of rapidly rising interest rates and inflationary pressures.  Pam constantly reminds me of this every time she goes to the grocery store!  Everything is getting more & more expensive including building material, labor & construction loans!!!  So, we wanted you to know, your AR Building Team is on the ball planning Countermeasures to these unwanted economic factors.

We can mitigate some of the painful effects of rising interest rates by self-financing more of the project with funds provided by your generous contributions to the NOW. HERE. Capital Campaign.  A really, really successful NOW. HERE. Capital Campaign can provide a tremendous boost of much needed funds to the building project in two important ways:

1) One-time gifts to the Building Fund which go directly to pay construction related expenses

2) Contributions to the General Fund beyond Operating Budget requirements can provide an additional source of funds

To that end, the NOW. HERE. Capital Campaign is upon us with Commitment Sunday, September 25th just hours away!  The excitement & anticipation is palatable!!!  This Sunday will be a day to remember!  You don’t want to miss it!!!

With all this to ponder, the Building Team needs your help!  We need a BIG hit to the Building Fund from one-time contributions to help fund our next step in the process – that next step being “Land Preparation.”  A flood of contributions into the church coffers could allow AR to stay ahead of expenses with the goal of keeping the construction loan in reserve for the last phase – Vertical Construction.  This would save AR loads of mortgage interest from the construction loan and with permanent financing when the project is complete and debt service begins.

If you would like to fill-out a NOW. HERE. Commitment Card and did not receive one in the mail, you can do so by attending the worship service this Sunday, September 25th or on-line via the church website:  ashleyridgechurch.org

Derrick Horres                                                                                

AR Building Project Leader

Building Update

September 22

Building Update 088 – Commitment Sunday

Building Update 088

“Commitment Sunday”

September 22, 2022

Excitement & anticipation is “building!” It’s hard to believe Commitment Sunday” is almost here! This is the day we have all been waiting for where we get to say a big “YES” to putting down permanent roots in the Summerville community! By roots, I mean constructing a home base where Phase 1 will consist of an approx. 27K sqft facility on 6 acres (of the 12 acre church parcel of land) next to ARHS.

“Praise God from whom all blessings flow!”                                        2 Corinthians 13:14

This is an exciting time, and we want everyone to feel connected and a part of the process and the journey.  To that end, this Sunday, September 25th is Commitment Sunday where you will have the opportunity to turn-in your Commitment Cards during the morning worship service.  Pastor Jenn will pray over them, and we will celebrate T-O-G-E-T-H-E-R what God has done to bring us to this point!

“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”                                                                                   -Psalm 118:24

Over the next two years, we are asking everyone to stretch their regular giving and one-time contribution(s) to the church for construction-related expenses. We will also soon be entering the Land Preparation phase of the building process and we hope to self-finance that cost, leaving the construction loan for the last phase – Vertical Construction.

“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”                                                                                    -Mark 11:24

SO, please prayerfully consider what you can do to make the Ashley Ridge Church home base a reality. We are so thankful for you as our constant source of inspiration, your dedication, commitment & continued generosity!!!

“They are always generous and lend freely; their children will be a blessing.”                                                                                    -Psalm 37:26

Derrick Horres                                                                                

AR Building Project Leader

Building Update

September 20

Building Update 087 – “Are you ready to get your feet wet?”

Building Update 087, September  20, 2022

“Are you ready to get your feet wet?”

How about the Family Meeting this past Sunday?! Great job Pastor Jenn & Staff in conveying all the incredible details & features of the newly updated building floor plan and site plan. The breakfast following the worship service was awesome as well. I had one of the sausage biscuits from the Food Truck, and it was yummy!!!

The question on the table is, Are you ready to get your feet wet?” Here we go!   It’s time to jump-in with both feet. Our goal is to raise $2,000,000 internally over the next two years for our building project. In order to meet this challenge, maximum participation is essential. We are praying for 100% engagement!!!

AR will be financing the building project in two ways over the next two years (see below):

1)  One-time contributions and/or recurring contributions made to Ashley Ridge Church 

2)  Construction loan provided by a local bank or lending institution

Please prayerfully consider what you can do to assist Ashley Ridge Church in accomplishing its goal of creating a permanent home base in the Summerville community. 

 NOTECommitment Sunday is this Sunday, September 25th, and we will all be able to turn our cards in at that time. You can also fill-out your NOW. HERE. Commitment Card on-line.

Financial Report.  The giving numbers YTD (as of September 16th) are looking positive going into Commitment Sunday this weekend with contributions now at 72.1% of Comp.* 

*This means AR is only $209,418 away from exceeding last year’s giving number with 3 1/2 months to go in 2022, and only $271,122 from being able to exceed the 2020 all-time giving record of $811,475 in total annual contributions.

This is all wonderful news because we are going to need to stay well ahead of the power curve with regards to financing the building project and the more we can raise internally the better off we will be.

In fact, wouldn’t it be great if we could self-finance most of the building project cost and not have to depend as much on a construction loan!  It is possible with everyone’s participation!

Derrick Horres                                                                                

AR Building Project Leader

Building Update

September 14

Building Update 086, “A Defining Season”

Building Update 086

“A Defining Season”

September 14, 2022

Wanted to jump on this morning and share some thoughts as we enter into a New Season (BU 074), an Exciting Season (BU 085) and I would say, the “Defining Season” in the life of Ashley Ridge Church.  The time is Now. and the place is Here.

I have been planning and dreaming of this day for three years – “a day where the church comes together in unity for the specific purpose and mission of securing a permanent home base in the Summerville community.”  This season is like no other.  Future generations will depend on what we do or don’t do during this season.

To that end, the Family Meeting this Sunday is a really BIG deal as Pastor Jenn and Staff will communicate the vision of the physical home base with all its various and amazing details & features for the present and future ministries of the church.  You will see for the first time the new updated facility floor plan and site plan.  Folks, it just doesn’t get any better than this!

Please don’t miss the Family Meeting this Sunday during the worship service where you will hear (and see) all the latest exciting news & developments of the building project.  And, stay afterwards for breakfast (bring your favorite breakfast dish with sausage biscuits provided by Expanding the Table Food Truck).

With all that said, you should be receiving a very important letter from Pastor Jenn this week with a Commitment Card for the NOW. HERE. Capital Campaign to help fund our building project’s next steps.  Please pray about what you can do to assist Ashley Ridge Church achieve its goal of a permanent home base in the Summerville community.  T-O-G-E-T-H-E-R is better!!! 

NOTECommitment Sunday will be September 25th, and we will all be able to turn our cards in at that time.   You can also fill-out your NOW. HERE. Commitment Card on-line.

If you would like to make a contribution to the Building Fund for construction costs or the General Fund for operating expenses, you can do so here.

Derrick Horres                                                                                

AR Building Project Leader

Building Update

August 30

Quick Progress Update Visual – August 30th

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Building Update

August 25

Building Update 085 – “An Exciting Season”

 Building Update 085

“An Exciting Season”

August 25, 2022

If you have been to church the last couple of weeks, then you have witnessed the start of “An Exciting Season” in the life of Ashley Ridge Church. As we continue to gear-up for the NOW. HERE. Capital Campaign which will fund our building project along with bank financing, we have seen in-person attendance skyrocket and anticipation build for something really GREAT and really BIG!

BUT, we can’t do it without YOU!  We need your continued prayers, in-person attendance (if possible) and your financial support during this incredibly important season in the life of our church.  To that end – you should have received a letter from Pastor Jenn a couple of weeks ago with all the important events & dates connected with NOW. HERE. Message Series & Capital Campaign.  Please take the time to review the letter and make plans to attend not only Sunday mornings but all the special events listed below:

August 28th, 6pm – Prayer on the land

September 4th, 10am-noon – Church Picnic at Ashley River Park

September 18th, 10am –  Family Meeting and Breakfast TOGETHER

September 25th –  Celebration and Commitment Sunday (+ FREE, NEWLY-DESIGNED “FOR SVL” T-SHIRTS!!!)

If you would like to make a contribution to the Building Fund for construction costs or the General Fund for operating expenses, you can do so here.

Derrick Horres                                                                                

AR Building Project Leader

Building Update

August 16

Quick Progress Update Visual – August

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Building Update

August 11

Building Update 084 – “The Big One!”

Building Update 084

“THE BIG ONE!”

August 11, 2022

On August 2-3, Ashley Ridge Church hosted the building project principal players at the Church Office for a two-day intensive planning session. We met with engineers of every variety, walked the land, and sketched the final design of the building project. Equip Studio is now taking the findings of the two-day Schematic Design (SD) Kick-off and working toward the updated floor plan & site plan.  The new floor plan and site plan features additional space for:  Starting Point (SP) classes, Students, Church Volunteers, multi-use spaces for community events and other special functions & events for generating additional church revenue.

This is extremely exciting stuff and we want everyone to be a part of it! The final floor & site plan is being “flushed-out” & “refined” at the Equip Studio Branch Office in Greenville, SC and will be unveiled to the congregation by Pastor Jenn very soon.

This all leads me to the new message series we’re starting this week entitled “NOW. HERE.”  It’s the series we have all been waiting for since the very inception of Ashley Ridge Church.  The NOW. HERE. series is where we put it all together:  the hopes, the dreams, the vision and the plans for the future facility and church campus where it will all happen for generations to come.

The NOW. HERE. series will also kick-off the capital campaign to fund the building project along with bank financing.  You will be hearing more about this from Pastor Jenn and James but suffice it to say, this is the most important message series in the history of Ashley Ridge Church to date!

***Make plans to be in church this Sunday and in the coming weeks.  You won’t want to miss a single Sunday of this exciting & much anticipated season in the life of Ashley Ridge Church ***

If you would like to make a contribution to the Building Fund for construction costs or the General Fund for operating expenses, you can do so here.

Derrick Horres                                                                                

AR Building Project Leader

Building Update

July 28

Building Update 083 – Moving Forward

Building Update 083

“Moving Forward”

July 28, 2022

With the signing of the Cypress Engineering, LLC and Equip Studio contracts, the building project has left the Discovery Stage and entered the Design Stage of the process. Basically, we are in the last stage of design and development before moving into construction!

On August 2-3, Ashley Ridge Church will host the building project principal players for a two-day intensive planning session where the Equip Studio Team will then take the findings and work toward an updated floor plan & site plan.  After the Design Stage comes the Delivery Stage where actual construction documents & building plans will be produced necessary for permitting & subsequent vertical construction!

Concurrently, AR is moving forward with an Early Site Package (ESP) by Cypress Engineering, LLC to produce the documents necessary for permitting land preparation.  Due to the lead time needed in receiving permit approval (3-4 months) by Dorchester County Planning & Zoning, this step was necessary to preserve the build timeline and a “shovel in the ground” by the end of this year.

On the financial front, Pastor Jenn, Staff and Church Leadership have been busy planning the “Now Here!” Capital Campaign to fund the building project along with bank financing. Be on the lookout for a letter from Jenn next week with lots of important dates and fun activities for our church in August and September.

Ashley Ridge Church is moving forward on all fronts of the building project, and we want everyone to feel a part of the process! Working T-O-G-E-T-H-E-R, we will get this done!

If you would like to make a contribution to the Building Fund for construction costs or the General Fund for operating expenses, you can do so here.

Derrick Horres                                                                                

AR Building Project Leader

Building Update

July 27

Quick Progress Update Visual

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Building Update

July 12

Building Update 082 – Interim Project Report

 July 12                Building Update 082   

       “Interim Project Report”

Ashley Ridge Church is entering a critical but VERY exciting Civil Engineering & Schematic Design (SD) Phase in the building project, so I wanted to give everyone a detailed Interim Project Report of what’s been accomplished thus far and what lies ahead for the future.  Over the past 2 1/2 years, the AR Building Project Team has been working hard to lay the essential groundwork for a successful completion to the building project.

To that end, the following major project goals have been accomplished:

  • Paid-off loan on 10-acre tract of land located on Summers Drive
  • Established Reserve Fund for project contingencies and to meet bank lending requirements for future construction loan
  • Established Building Fund for construction-related expenses to be used for working capital prior to receiving construction loan
  • Negotiated Swap Deal with Lennar for new building site (12 acres) higher in elevation next to Ashley Ridge High School (ARHS)
  • Received Boundary & Tree Survey for new building site from Lennar
  • Completed Concept & Design of new facility & campus – see attached site plan (graphic) for Phase 1 & Masterplan
  • Secured Business Line of Credit (LOC) for construction related expenses
  • Signed contracts with the following subcontractors: Cypress Engineering, LLC for civil engineering, Equip Studio for architectural concept & schematic design/construction docs & building plans and WAVE.US  for sound design
  • Steps taken to secure utility service access for water & sewer from Dorchester County Water & Sewer (DCWS) along with required easements from Lennar and Dorchester County School District-2

The following major project goals are still to be accomplished:

  • Complete application for submission to Dorchester County Planning for Special District (zoning) approval
  • Secure necessary utility easements from Lennar and DCSD-2
  • Close on property and new building site next to ARHS
  • Conduct successful Capital Campaign to secure working capital for building project and fulfill bank lending requirements for construction loan approval
  • Complete Civil & Architectural Schematic Design (SD) along with required construction documents & permits
  • Sign contract with Trident Construction – General Contractor (GC)
  • Break ground on new AR facility & campus by the end of the year!!!

Financial Report.  With the necessary ground work in place and future project goals & tasks in the works, the success of the building project rests with the upcoming Capital Campaign scheduled to start in late August.  The church will need to show the lending institution that it has the required financial reserves to qualify for the construction loan and financial strength in the way of regular contributions & planned giving to meet the loan approval lending criteria threshold.

Pastor Jenn & Staff have been working hard on planning the upcoming VERY important Capital Campaign to meet the bank’s strict lending requirements, and you will be hearing more from them about this very soon.  BUT, I would like to take the opportunity to show the congregation just what we have been able to accomplish ***TOGETHER*** as a congregation since the BUDGET FREEZE back on January 1, 2020 with regards to regular giving & financial gifts.

As of Month Ending 6/30/2022 and since the BUDGET FREEZE back on January 1, 2020, AR has received & recorded contributions & gifts to the following:

-Building Fund                        $409,986

-General Fund                     $1,495,158

-Christmas Offering                 $51,341

TOTAL                                 $1,956,485*

*This is an average of $65,216 per month for the past 30 months

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the congregation for all their support (financial and otherwise) for the building project to date.  Without your unwavering support and dedication, this project would simply not be possible!!!

Conclusion.   Despite a worldwide pandemic (and subsequent lockdown) and severe financial crisis, Ashley Ridge Church has done what it needed to do to position itself for this particular moment in time.  It has overcome the odds and battled the elements to the point where we are now – the point where success is not only possible but achievable and with God’s help, we as a church, will “close the deal” and complete the building project not for ourselves but for future generations to come.  

If you would like to make a contribution to the Building Fund for construction costs or the General Fund for operating expenses, you can do so here.

Derrick Horres                                                                                

AR Building Project Leader

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CLICK HERE for Phase 1

CLICK HERE for Masterplan

Building Update

June 24

Quick Progress Update Visual

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Building Update

June 21

Building Update 081 – By the Numbers

June 21                Building Update 081   

          “By The Numbers”

Wanted to jump-on today and give everyone a detailed “By The Numbers” update on where we stand with giving and how that relates to the building project’s financial goals & timeline.  As you know, AR has taken aim at breaking ground on the new facility & campus by the end of this year.

To accomplish the “shovel in the ground” which is currently scheduled on the build timeline for December 4th, AR needs to achieve THREE key giving goals in 2022.  These goals are twofold:  1) raise additional funds for construction related expenses which are being self-financed by the church and 2) fulfill necessary financial criteria for the construction loan required by the local lending institution

The THREE giving goals AND THE “STATUS” OF HOW WE ARE DOING WITH EACH (as of June 20th) is as follows:

  1. GOAL: BY THE END OF SUMMER, RAISE AN ADDITIONAL $150K FOR THE BUILDING FUND TO PAY CIVIL ENGINNEERING COSTS AND SOUND DESIGN FOR THE NEW FACILITY

STATUS:  AR has currently raised $76,662.22 or 51.1% of goal

  1. GOAL: BY THE END OF THE 2022, MEET OR EXCEED LAST YEAR’S TOTAL CONTRIBUTIONS OF $749,771

STATUS:  AR has Total YTD contributions of $384,294 or 51.3% of goal

  1. GOAL: CONTINUE TO BUILD FINANCIAL RESERVES REQUIRED BY THE LENDING INSTITUTION FOR APPROVAL OF THE CONSTRUCTION LOAN

STATUS:  AR Staff & Leadership Team are currently in the process of  planning the Fall Giving Campaign to fulfill anticipated lending requirements (more from Pastor Jenn and James about this soon)

As you see from the above, AR is making steady progress toward its 2022 building related financial goals but still there is important work to do!  SO, we will need a Summer Surge in Building Fund contributions to meet our $150K goal. Can we reach this amount between now and the end of summer??? You bet we can!!!

AND, as far as making comparable (Comp) for 2022, can we exceed last year’s giving total of $749,771 in contributions??? Yes, absolutely!!! In fact, I will make a prediction that this year Ashley Ridge will not only exceed the giving number from 2021 but will even exceed the 2020 record breaking amount of $811,475.

God continues to do amazing things at Ashley Ridge Church!  Just week before last, I saw Pastor Jenn running up and down the stage during worship resupplying rocks which were quickly disappearing due to the large number of new owners.

We can be confident that God has a plan for Ashley Ridge Church and that HIS plan is good and better than we could ever imagine!

“Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident.”    -Psalm 27:3

Monthly Financial Report The MTD giving numbers as of June 20th are also provided for your information below:

$8,016.34 Building Fund + $36,789.98 General Fund = $44,806.32 TOTAL

If you would like to make a contribution to the Building Fund for construction costs or the General Fund for operating expenses, you can do so here.

Derrick Horres

AR Building Project Leader

 

 

Building Update

June 2

Building Update 080 – Breaking News

June 2                Building Update 080   

      ***BREAKING NEWS***

Great news to kick off the summer: We just received the latest contribution numbers and as of the end of May, we have officially set a new monthly giving record at Ashley Ridge Church which breaks down as follows:

$68,645.88 Building Fund + $51,568.66 General Fund = $120,214.54 TOTAL

*The old record WAS $100,262.18 set back in December 2021

This is a fantastic way to start the summer, and WE’RE NOT DONE YET!  Ashley Ridge is well on its way to meeting the $150K fundraising goal to pay civil engineering costs and sound design for the new facility.  The building project is hitting on all cylinders as we head toward the end of the conceptual and diligence phases, and into the start of the Schematic Design Phase.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT OF ASHLEY RIDGE CHURCH AND THE BUILDING PROJECT!!!

If you would like to make a contribution to the Building Fund for construction costs or the General Fund for operating expenses, you can do so here.

AR Building Project Team

 

Building Update

May 24

Building Update079 – Progress Update

May 24                Building Update 079   

I wanted to put out a quick “Results ALERT!” on how we’re doing with the $150K fundraising effort for the building project.  The MTD giving numbers as of 9 am, May 23rd are provided below:

$53,935.35 Building Fund + $42,699.86 General Fund = $96,635.21 TOTAL

NOTE:  We are only $3,626.97 away from breaking the monthly giving record of $100,262.18 set back in December 2021.

This latest $150K fundraising drive is to pay civil engineering costs on the new site and AVL engineering for the building.

***STAY TUNED FOR MORE EXCITING RESULT ALERTS!***

If you would like to make a contribution to the Building Fund for construction costs or the General Fund for operating expenses, you can do so here.

                                                                                                          

Derrick Horres, AR Building Project Leader

Building Update

May 18

Building Update 078 – Financial Follow-Up

May 18                Building Update 078   

       “Financial Follow-up”

I wanted to jump-on this morning and follow-up on the financial report Pastor Jenn and Garrett Reuber, our Financial Team Leader, gave this past Sunday morning at the beginning of worship.  If you haven’t seen it, I recommend you go back and watch it.

For the record, I love bleu-cheese in and/or on everything!!!  But, I understand where Pastor Jenn was going with regards to eating fungi. I won’t eat moldy bread even if it is just a little bit moldy which for me spoils the culinary experience. Now that I have addressed the bleu cheese, fungi and mold issue, let’s get back to business!

AR is at a critical juncture with regards to the building project with many of the key pieces now being put in place which will allow AR to break ground by the end of this year.  Four of these key pieces are listed below:

  • We have a signed proposal from Cypress Engineering in the amount of $135,410 to civil engineer the new building site. This will take us all the way through civil Schematic Design (SD), Construction Documents and Permitting to begin land preparation.
  • Equip Studio working with the Church Staff has adjusted & revised the concept site plan to be in compliance with Dorchester County (Form Based Code) while at the same time maximizing our front parking area. The new plan has been submitted to Dorchester County Zoning for preliminary approval.
  • AR is in a VERY important financial effort to raise $150K for the building project. These funds will go to paying civil engineering costs on the new site and sound design for the new worship space (the cost of the sound design phase by WAVE.US is estimated at $24,500).
  • Our Financial Team continues to build-up the church financial reserves which is VERY important for approval of the construction loan and continuing to make steady & real progress on the building front until such time as the construction loan is made available.

Financial Report May is starting out on the financial fast track with total contributions as of May 16th as follows:

$52,560.07 Building Fund + $29,174.60 General Fund = $81,734.67 TOTAL

Going back to January 2020 and the Budget Freeze, the most contributions received in a single month were in December 2021 where contributions totaled a whopping $100,262!!!  AR has the potential to not only exceed this record figure but S-M-A-S-H it (I’m thinking Batman fighting adjectives here with a POW!!! BANG!!! BAM!!!) and make our $150K goal!  With your continued generous financial support, we can do it – TOGETHER!!!          

If you would like to make a contribution to the Building Fund for construction costs or the General Fund for operating expenses, you can do so here.                            

Derrick Horres, AR Building Project Leader

Building Update

April 22

Building Update 077 – Something’s Happening

   April 22                Building Update 077   

     “Something’s Happening”

Late last year just before Christmas, I could feel Ashley Ridge Church gathering momentum and building steam on several fronts, starting with the packed Christmas Eve Service and rolling into March of this year with a signed & ratified swap agreement on the new building site next to ARHS.

Then, came Holy Week with the moving Good Friday Walk-Thru experience and standing room only Easter Service last Sunday.  I kept thinking to myself this is different – Something’s Happening at Ashley Ridge Church that is new and even more exciting, and we can all be a part of it!

With that said, Pastor Jenn has scheduled a VERY important Family Meeting on Sunday to convey all that is happening in our church.  It will be during the morning worship service at 10:00 am, and you are NOT going to want to miss what she has to say (and show) about the future prospects of Ashley Ridge Church.

While she will touch on many aspects of church ministries and programs, she will also give a VERY important update on the building project.  She will explain in detail where we are with regards to getting “a shovel in the ground” later this year and the church-wide capital campaign needed to help get us there.

But, this update is about much more than the financial picture, and how it pertains to the building project. This update is about all the good things that have happened and are still happening as a result of the road we are traveling.

We are climbing the highest mountain T-O-G-E-T-H-E-R where everything has seemed endlessly uphill, BUT now are sooooo close to reaching the top.  This is our moment and our time! The moment we have been waiting patiently for and to see happen is almost upon us!  Building the future permanent home for Ashley Ridge Church is within our grasp!!!

I can honestly say the journey to this point has been an amazing one full of and rewards and challenges.  We have seen church growth in attendance, finances, leadership, unity of effort, teamwork and confidence.  This only comes from overcoming obstacles, working hard and a reliance on God for wisdom & direction.

AND, to “close the deal” with regards to creating a permanent home base, AR will just need to execute a successful building project capital campaign to raise the necessary funds internally to complete the Phase 1 construction along with bank financing.  If AR can meet its internal & external financial goals this year, then it’s “game on” for the new AR facility & campus and a “shovel in the ground” in 2022!!!

“I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”  – Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

 

Financial Report As of April 20th, MTD giving numbers are as follows:

$3,187.76 Building Fund + $36,578.88 General Fund = $39,766.64 TOTAL

If you would like to make a contribution to the Building Fund for construction costs or the General Fund for operating expenses, you can do so here.

                                                                                                          

Derrick Horres, AR Building Project Leader

Building Update

March 15

Building Update 076 – The Next BIG Thing

    March 15             Building Update 076   

            “The Next BIG Thing”

Just wanted to jump-on this morning and let you know about the “The Next BIG Thing” coming down the pike with regards to the building project!  As we speak, Equip Studio (our architectural firm) is working hard to develop and refine the new Site Plan for the 12-acre parcel next to Ashley Ridge High School.  This is all part of the due diligence and investigative process.

After the Site Plan has been reviewed by Cypress Engineering, we will receive the new Phase 1 and Masterplan on the property.  This is all scheduled to happen on or before this Friday!

Once the Site Plan has been finalized and the building footprint, parking lot, utility service connections have been determined, we can order the Geotechnical Study which will give us answers to soil composition and other critical information needed to determine foundations requirements, etc.

While there will be some changes to be sure to the new Site Plan, the future Ashley Ridge Church is starting to take shape and form!  AND, we can’t wait to show it off to the congregation as soon as we are able!

If you would like to make a contribution to the Building Fund for construction costs or the General Fund for operating expenses, you can do so here.                                                                                                    

Derrick Horres, AR Building Project Leader

Building Update

March 7

Building Update 075 – “Ready…Set…GO!”

March 7              Building Update 075   

          “Ready…Set….GO!”

Soooo much is happening with the building project these days that it will be hard to get it all down in one update but I will do my best!  It has been a busy, busy two weeks with breakthroughs being made on multiple fronts as you can see from the progress points below:

First, we had a VERY beneficial Site Visit to the new property on February 22nd with our Construction Team from Cypress Engineering and Trident Construction (GC).  We walked the property, getting the lay of the land with an eye on building placement, utility connections, easements, grand tree placement, etc.

Second, WE HAVE A SIGNED AND RATIFIED SWAP AGREEMENT (CONTRACT) WITH LENNAR on the 12-acre parcel of land next to Ashley Ridge High School! It has been a long time coming but I believe it will be well worth the wait. 

Third, with the ratification of the swap agreement, our 60 Day due diligence clock is officially running.  To this end, we had a VERY productive Due Diligence Kick-off Meeting on February 28th prior to the signing of the swap agreement.

At the meeting, Alisha Coleman, our Project Manager with Equip Studio, produced a detailed timeline for getting the project to the Vertical Construction Phase.  All I can say is YES!!!

Fourth, Will Rogan, Civil Engineer, has already started making important progress investigating utility service connections with Dorchester County Water & Sewer (DCWS).  Utility connections are a critical factor in the due diligence process and key to making the new site work for the future home base of Ashley Ridge Church.

Fifth, AR Staff and Equip Studio are in the process of adjusting the space for arLittles, arKids, and arStudents to create the most useful and flexible space possible.  This can be done without increasing the overall building square footage and cost.  Besides providing the students with space, the Flex space could become a valuable source of additional income for the church from short term rental usage i.e. dinners, weddings, community events, etc.

Sixth, the AR Building Project Budget Team met this week and is refining the construction budget to match the timeline put forth by Equip Studio. The project will be financed by internal “in-house” means and by a construction loan from a local bank. To that end, we will be hearing a lot more soon on what it will look like to raise needed funds for the internal financing portion of the project cost.

Financial ReportWe have had a solid start to 2022 with regards to giving with February contributions as follows:

$4,821.37 Building Fund + $44,571.33 General Fund = $49,392.70 TOTAL

For the first two months of 2022, total giving is as follows:

$7,982.77 Building Fund + $105,633.47 General Fund = $113,616.24 TOTAL

I would like to take a moment to personally thank all the AR Staff, project volunteers, architects, civil engineers and Trident (GC), who are hard at work, making the new Ashley Ridge Church campus a reality, to the AR congregation that have in the past and will continue in the future to be so generous with their financial resources in support of this effort, and I would like to thank Pastor Jenn for her amazing leadership and example which continues to inspire me in new ways.  For all this, I am truly thankful!

As I bring this update to a close, I hope you are as excited and thrilled as I am to see the progress being made on the building project!  Stay tuned for more detailed progress reports and updates as information becomes available!

If you would like to make a contribution to the Building Fund for construction costs or the General Fund for operating expenses, you can do so here.                                                                                                           

Derrick Horres, AR Building Project Leader

Building Update

February 19

Building Update 074 – A New Season

February 19              Building Update 074   

             “A New Season”

Wanted to jump on this morning and give you a quick but exciting update on the building project.  Back on September 28th of last year, I wrote a building update entitled “A Time of Sowing” with the following short excerpt provided below:

“This all brings me to this point with regards to Ashley Ridge Church and the Building Project that we are in a time of sowing and breaking up our uncultivated ground.  This is necessary before we can reap the harvest and the end result of an Ashley Ridge Church having an amazing permanent home base in Summers Corner.”                                  -excerpt BU 061 dated September 28, 2021

For the last 2 ½ years since I started working on the building project, I believe we as a church have been breaking up our uncultivated ground.  BUT, I also believe that is all in the past, and we are transitioning into a new phase and A New Season.  A New Season where we get to execute and not just plan and get to clear land and build not just see the concept on paper or a computer screen.

Last week, we received the Topographic & Tree Survey from Lennar which has enabled us to move forward on several fronts from civil engineering to finalizing the architectural design.  We also have a site visit scheduled this Tuesday, February 22nd with Cypress Engineering and Trident Construction (General Contractor) to view and walk the property next to Ashley Ridge High School.

While there will be more planning and more fundraising before we see the completed Ashley Ridge Church permanent home base, I am thankful for A New Season where we get to execute concrete steps toward our ultimate goal!

Financial ReportI am also grateful for your generous support which has enabled us to start 2022 on the fast track toward meeting our building project financial goals.   As of February 16th, YTD giving numbers are as follows:

Building Fund  $7,342.21 + General Fund  $90,951.84  =  $98,294.05  TOTAL

If you would like to make a contribution to the Building Fund for construction costs or the General Fund for operating expenses, you can do so here                                                                                                          

Derrick Horres, AR Building Project Leader

Building Update

January 26

Building Update 073 – “Let Down Your Nets”

January 26              Building Update 073   

        “Let Down Your Nets”

I have been really enjoying Pastor Jenn’s teaching series 90NINETY walking through the life of Jesus, especially last week’s message on Jesus and Simon in the boat fishing.  One version of the story comes from the Gospel of Luke:

And when he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” And Simon answered, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.” And when they had done this, they enclosed a large number of fish, and their nets were breaking.                    -Luke 5:4-6

Have you ever thought what you would have done in the same situation if you were in Simon’s shoes (sandals)?  This is very early on in the ministry of Jesus, and Simon would have known little about Jesus or who he was.  I think if I had been toiling all night and caught nothing, I would have been totally exhausted and very reluctant to do more fishing.

But, then again, this building project has been all about casting our nets down on the other side of the boat and against the odds.  AR has been down this road before in years past and come-up with an empty net with no permanent facility to show for all the toil and effort.

Going into the third year as the AR Building Project Leader, I can tell you nothing is certain in the world we live in or with the building project.  Sometimes it’s a real challenge just to get out of bed in the morning and face the uncertainty of what lies ahead in the new day.

But, I am willing, eager and even expectant to listen to the call that “Now is the Time” to do my part in letting down the nets one more time for the reward of the net breaking abundant catch.  Sometimes just the thought of such keeps me going and ready to face and overcome the challenges that keep us from our quest.

I hope in this New Year, you are as excited as I am to make this the year Ashley Ridge Church breaks ground on its new permanent campus.  We can do this together by casting our nets one more time into the deep water.

Financial Report.  As of January 24th, the MTD giving numbers are as follows:

Building Fund  $2,816.12 + General Fund  $35,282.00  =  $38,098.12  TOTAL

If you would like to make a contribution to the Building Fund for Pre-construction expenses or the General Fund for Operating expenses, you can do so here.                                                                          

Derrick Horres, AR Building Project Leader

Building Update

January 12

Building Update 072 – “The 2021 Big Finish”

January 12               Building Update 072   

              “The Big Finish”

2021 will be known for “the big finish” but more on that in a skinny minute!  We want 2022 to be known for the year Ashley Ridge Church gets the proverbial “shovel in the ground!”  This means breaking ground (for land preparation) on the new church campus next to Ashley Ridge High School this year.  How exciting is that?!

Speaking about exciting, how about “the big finish” in December? If you were there in-person at the Christmas Eve Candlelight service you know what I am talking about!  The outdoor service on the lawn at Summers Corner was at near maximum capacity with attendance estimated at 1,000 people!

The church also had a BIG finish with regards to the Christmas Offering and End-of-Year giving such that contributions for the month of December totaled a whopping $100,264!  This was broken down into $23,121 Christmas Offering, $16,323 Building Fund and $60,818 General Fund.  Way to finish strong, Ashley Ridge!!!

The 4th Qtr. of 2021 was absolutely incredible with contributions totaling a record $248,507 alone!  This all bodes well for the building project in 2022, but this is no time to get overly confident or take our pack off as AR still has some major financial hurdles before our Financial Team Leader, Garrett Reuber, goes to the bank for the construction loan later this year.

Tasks that need to be accomplished before applying for the construction loan:  1) continue to build financial reserves & contingency funds required for loan application approval 2) mount Three-Year Capital Campaign in the 2nd Qtr. for purposes of creating working capital for producing building plans & construction documents and 3) leverage capital campaign commitments for desired loan amount approval outcome needed to complete the building project – Phase 1 (more on all this from Pastor Jenn).

As far as the swap agreement, Ashley Ridge Church has signed the agreement and is waiting to receive it back from Lennar after the holiday break.  The Building Team is already moving forward by gearing-up for the start of the “due diligence’ period.  Once the completed Topographical & Tree Survey is received from Lennar, Equip Studio (architectural firm) will produce the final site plan.

As you can tell, A LOT is happening on the building front, and it is about to get much busier!  Ashley Ridge Church continues to grind-out “hard fought” progress toward its goal of creating a permanent home base for its ministry, and it’s all because of your dedication and commitment, and clearly the ongoing faithfulness of God in this process!  As the Building Project Leader, I can begin to see the light at the end of tunnel, and it’s getting brighter & closer than ever before!

If you would like to make a contribution to the Building Fund for Pre-construction expenses or the General Fund for Operating expenses, you can do so here.

Derrick Horres, AR Building Project Leader

Building Update

December 30

Building Update 071-General Fund Success

I really wasn’t planning on doing another building update this year.  But, when I received the latest giving numbers from our fearless Finance Team Leader, Garrett Reuber, this morning, I thought I would jump-on and share some really great news which should not be overlooked!

 

With the latest internal reports, AR is only $8,189 away from making comp with General Fund giving in 2021.  General Fund giving in 2020 alone totaled a record $598,906 and this year General Fund giving currently stands at $590,717.  This is great news and is important for many reasons but the most important being; General Fund contributions are what fund the Ashley Ridge Church Operating Budget.

 

In addition, when General Fund contributions exceed Operating Expenses, it creates savings which can be used in the building effort.  When General Fund contributions exceed the Operating Budget, it creates margin!

 

SO, while we may not match 2020 in overall giving, we have a real shot at making comp and even exceeding 2020 in General Fund giving.  In the remaining hours of this year, if we could concentrate our efforts on contributions to the General Fund, we could hand Ashley Ridge Church a major financial success in 2021 which would go a long way to helping secure that pesky construction loan in 2022!

 

NOTE:   Even at this late hour in the year, AR continues to make gritty progress and chip away at its 2021 financial goals of 1) raising funds internally for the building project via the Christmas Offeringwhich now stands at $17,370 in contributions received and 2) making comp in 2021 with End-of Year gifts.  In fact, AR has received $733,817 YTD in total contributions & earnings as of December 30th and is only $77,658 away from matching last year’s incredible record of $811,475.

 

In the few remaining hours of 2021, if you would like to make an End of the Year gift to the General Fund via online, you can do so by visiting the church website ashleyridgechurch.org and click on Give.

 

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!!!

                                                                                                           

Derrick Horres, AR Building Team Leader

Building Update

December 29

Building Update 070 – Results Update Alert

December 29               Building Update 070   

        “Results Update Alert”

The following is an important “Results Update Alert” on the Christmas Offering & End-of-Year giving (the numbers below are YTD as of 12/27/2021 @ 12:10 pm):

2021 Christmas Offering               $15,917

2021 Building Fund (YTD)           $125,730 

2021 General Fund (YTD)            $588,296

 

TOTAL                                               $729,943*

 

Two-Year Average (AVG)            $770,709

 

*The amount needed to make comp in 2021 is down to $81,532

I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank all those who have given so generously of their time, talent and financial resources to Ashley Ridge Church and the building project in 2020 & 2021.  Together, we have made tremendous progress toward our goal of a permanent “home base” in the Summerville community.  I look forward to continuing our march toward the finish line in 2022.  God bless each and every one of you and your families in this New Year!!!

NOTE:  If you would like to make a contribution to the Christmas Offering for Building Fund expenses and/or making comp in 2021 with an End of the Year gift via Building Fund or General Fund, you can do so here.                                                     

Derrick Horres, AR Building Team Leader

Building Update

December 22

Building Update 069 – Last Push for 2021

December 22               Building Update 069   

         “Last Push for 2021”

Project Update.  First, a quick glance on where we are with the swap agreement: As of last Friday, the agreement has been signed by Ashley Ridge Church and has been sent to Lennar for their signature.  This means the 60-day Investigative Period commonly known as due diligence on the new building site next to ARHS will begin as soon as the signed agreement is received back.

The AR Building Team is coordinating the due diligence effort with Equip Studio (architectural firm), Cypress Engineering (civil engineer) and Trident Construction, General Contractor (GC).  The goal for 2022 is to get “a shovel in the ground, which means breaking ground on the new Ashley Ridge Church campus!

Financial Update.   AR continues to make steady progress and gains with its 2021 financial goals of 1) raising funds internally for the building project via the Christmas Offering which currently stands at $10,651 in contributions received and 2) making comp in 2021.  In fact, AR has received $709,881 YTD in total contributions as of December 20th and is only $101,594 away from matching last year’s incredible record of $811,475.

We have 10 days left in the year to bridge the gap between our 2021 and 2020 total income.  If we don’t “make comp” in 2021, we need to get as close as possible to qualify for the construction loan in the amount required to complete the building project.  SO, I am asking for your help!

We can do this with a surge of giving via the Christmas Offering and End-of-the-Year gifts.  All contributions toward our 2021 financial goals are important and will be much appreciated!!!

If you would like to make a contribution to the Christmas Offering for Building Fund expenses and/or making comp in 2021 with an End of the Year gift via Building Fund or General Fund, you can do so here.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROUS SUPPORT!!!                                                                                                 

Derrick Horres, AR Building Team Leader

Building Update

November 29

Building Update 068, Finishing Strong

November 29                Building Update 068   

          “Finishing Strong”

As we get ready to enter into the last month of the year, all eyes are on December 2021!  We want Ashley Ridge Church to finish in the strongest possible position, so the building effort can move expeditiously forward in January 2022.  SO, we have some work to do!

To finish strong with regards to the building project, we need two very important things to happen before the end of the year:  1) have a signed swap agreement with Lennar on the property next to the ARHS, and 2) accomplish and/or complete our building project financial goals for 2021.

We should be hearing back from Lennar this week on the swap agreement revision so stay tuned!  Please see updated numbers below:        

Making Comp:       $652,604       Needed:    $158,871

November (MTD):   $37,431        Needed:     $12,569

Ashley Ridge Church is within reach of obtaining our 2021 financial goals, but we will need to have our best month ever in December to make it happen!  As much as I would like the building project to be a sprint, in actuality, it has been a marathon with each mile having its own set of goals & challenges.

When I find myself becoming a little weary, fatigued or impatient, I often look to scripture for inspiration.  Today, that inspiration comes from the Book of Isaiah:

“But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”                                                -Isaiah 40:31(KJV)

We can be comforted, inspired and reenergized by the scripture verse above and by the fact that we are in this t-o-g-e-t-h-e-r making the new Ashley Ridge Church building & campus a reality one step at a time.  It’s like Pastor Jenn has said just recently, “We are going to have a story to tell about how God brought us to this point and built this building, and we really want all of you to be a part of it!”  

If you would like to make a contribution to the Building Fund for pre-construction expenses and/or making comp in 2021, you can do so here.

Derrick Horres, AR Building Team Leader

Building Update

November 22

Building Update 067 – Thanksgiving Edition, Vol. 2

   November 22                Building Update 067   

  “Thanksgiving Edition, Vol. 2”

Hard to believe another year has gone by so quickly and the Thanksgiving Holiday is here with Christmas just around the corner!  SO, do you know what time it is???  If you said, “it’s Howdy Doody time!!!”  You would be incorrect, but, I do appreciate your sense of humor and nostalgia!

No, it’s time for the Building Update Thanksgiving Edition, Vol. 2.  A time where we stop and reflect each year on God’s many blessings.  This year, I would like to thank God for the many blessings that He has bestowed upon the AR building project in 2021.  The scripture verse for today is from 1 Timothy:

“For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.”

– Timothy 4:4-5

I believe I could list a hundred items to be thankful for this year, but for the sake of time and space, I will list just a few:

  1. Thankful for a congregation that when it sees a need with the building project, it does its very best to fulfill that need.
  2. Thankful for the leadership and expertise Ashley Ridge Church has in place to deal with the complexity of the building project.
  3. Thankful for the General Contractor (GC) and all our subcontractors that have stuck to us like glue in 2021 while we sort through the myriad of details, challenges and obstacles.
  4. Thankful we are close to a swap deal with Lennar for a 12 acre piece of property next to Ashley Ridge High School which is higher in elevation.
  5. Thankful that we have received the boundary survey on the alternate site from Lennar and that a topographical & tree survey has been completed.
  6. Thankful for our real estate attorney, Catherine LaFond, who has reviewed the swap agreement and made revisions to facilitate the building process and protect AR interests.
  7. Thankful for the progress we have made this year on financing the new Ashley Ridge Church home base.
  8. Thankful for the success of the “Push & Comp” so far in raising $64,984 of the $100K needed to move forward with the building project next year.
  9. And, thankful for YOU and YOUR unwavering support for the building project!  Hope everyone has a wonderful & safe Thanksgiving!!!

Derrick Horres, AR Building Team Leader

Building Update

November 17

Building Update – Results Update Alert, November 15

 

Thank you for your continued generosity! If you’d like to give to our general fund or the building fund, click here.

Building Update

November 12

Building Update 066, Exciting Progress

November 12                Building Update 066   

           “Exciting Progress”

I’m getting excited about the prospect of starting construction (“shovel in the ground”) on the new Ashley Ridge Church campus next year.  We are moving forward on several fronts.

One aspect I am really getting excited about is the interior & exterior renderings (drawings).  After we close on the new site next to ARHS and complete the civil engineering Schematic Design (SD), Equip Studio will be engaged in the interior & exterior design which will lead to renderings.  These will give us our first visual glimpse of the new AR home base. How exciting!!!

Another exciting aspect of the process is happening on the financial front. We have established a Line of Credit which is available for building expenses, but with the success of the Push & Comp, we may not need to access the LOC until next year when Equip Studio starts work on the building plans & construction documents.  This could save hundreds if not thousands of dollars in loan interest!

The way the congregation has pulled together and given so generously of their financial resources is inspiring and exciting at the same time!  TOGETHER the future permanent home of Ashley Ridge Church is possible! THANK YOU for your generous support!!!

It is Getting Exciting at Ashley Ridge Church these days, and we want everyone to feel connected and part of the vision of more spaces for more faces! 

If you would like to make a contribution to the Building Fund for Pre-construction expenses and/or the “Comp” Countdown (Building Fund or General Fund), you can do so here.

NOTE:  Look for ***Results Update ALERTs*** to be posted periodically to the Building Update website or sent-out via email, so you can track the progress toward a successful conclusion in 2021.

Derrick Horres, AR Building Team Leader

Building Update

November 2

Special Edition Building Update – Results Update Alert #3

Special Edition – Results Update Alert #3

November 2, 2021

If you would like to make a contribution to our general fund or the building fund, you can do so here.

Building Update

October 30

Building Update 065, Push and Comp

October 30                Building Update 065   

              “Push & Comp”

If you remember back in 2020, it was the Surge & Stretch which allowed Ashley Ridge Church to pay-off the remaining loan balance on the 10 acres of land on Summers Drive, establish a Reserve Fund and pay the EquipLabs fee.  In 2021, it’s the “Push & Comp” which will help enable Ashley Ridge Church to move forward with the building project in 2022.

These are not just “catchy” slogans intended to raise money for Ashley Ridge Church.  They are planned, targeted and focused efforts to accomplish specific (key) goals which move the building project forward.

A successful “Push” will provide $100K of critical funding for pre-construction expenses i.e. civil engineering Schematic Design (SD) and architectural fees.  And, making “Comp” in 2021 will allow Ashley Ridge Church to maximize what it can borrow from a local bank for the construction loan in 2022.

These two fundraising efforts are intertwined in that any contribution(s) to the Building Fund, and/or General Fund, will assist AR in making comp this year as it increases the overall contributions received.  In 2020, contributions totaled a record $811,475. To top that mark is a pretty tall order, but we can still accomplish this by the end of year with your continued and generous support.

To see how we are doing with the Pre-construction “Push & Comp” Countdown and General Fund MTD giving received as of October 29th, please see below:        

Pre-construction Push:  $26,834

Comp Countdown:  $567,311

General Fund (MTD):  $39,438

NOTE:  Look for ***Results Update ALERTs*** to be posted periodically to the Building Update website or sent-out via email, so you can track the “Push & Comp” progress toward a successful conclusion in 2021.

If you would like to make a contribution to the “Push” via Building Fund for Pre-construction expenses and/or the “Comp” Countdown (Building Fund or General Fund), you can do so here.

Derrick Horres, AR Building Team Leader

Building Update

October 25

Special Edition Building Update – Results Update Alert #2

Special Edition, October 25th Results Update Alert – 

 

Help us reach our goal of $100k added to the Building Fund by November 7th! You can give here.

Building Update

October 24

Building Update 064 – Move the Chains!

 October 23               Building Update 064   

           “Move the Chains!”

Hope everyone is enjoying the football season so far because we’ve got a real nail- biter on our hands right here at Ashley Ridge Church!  I sense this one is going right down to the wire and the last play!

We are into the fourth quarter and time is starting to become a critical factor in our ability to raise $100K for the Building Fund and make comparables (comps) in 2021.  BUT, with the clock ticking, AR just made a big 1st down this week with the Pre-construction Push & Comp Countdown, so “Move the Chains!”

Coach Jenn and Offensive Coordinator Reuber have a sound “back to basics” game plan for the rest of the year.  Keep the ball on the ground (no fumbles) and grind-out yardage towards the goal line.  AR has a tough offensive line, opening up holes and wearing down the defense.  Go team go!!!

I will send-out another Special Edition ***Results Update ALERT*** on Monday with the complete “stats” for the previous week but wanted to give you the latest giving totals as of October 21st @ 7:57 am from Assistant Coach Reuber.

Pre-construction Push:  $14,665

Comp Countdown:  $548,514

General Fund (MTD):  $32,810

OK, AR team, let’s stay healthy and remember, we are making hard-fought gains toward our goal of a permanent home base but still have a ways to march down the field.  SO, let’s keep chewing-up that yardage, getting those 1st downs and remember the old phrase; “it ain’t over till it’s over!”

NOTE:  American baseball legend Yogi Berra first uttered the phrase about baseball’s 1973 National League pennant race. His team was a long way behind when he said it and they did eventually rally to win the division title.

 “All the way to $100K!!!

If you would like to make a contribution to the Building Fund for Pre-construction expenses, you can do so here.

Derrick Horres, AR Sports Writer & Team Promoter

Building Update

October 18

Results Update Alert

Special Edition Building Update, October 18th

Here’s an update on our Pre-construction push and countdown to comp for the year –

 

Help us reach our goal of $100k added to the Building Fund by November 7th! You can give here.

Building Update

October 16

Building Update – Pre-Construction

 October 16               Building Update 063   

           “Pre-construction”

Wanted to jump on today and share with you some thoughts and progress on the building project as we enter into the Pre-construction Phase.  It has been two long years of planning, laying the groundwork and overcoming obstacles to get to this point in the process, but we’re there!

The goal of creating a permanent home base for Ashley Ridge Church doesn’t seem quite as far off as it once did.  This is all due to the following progress:

  1. We received the boundary survey from Lennar (Praise the Lord) on Monday, and it depicts the new 12 acre building site (left property line contiguous to ARHS with front property line approximately 560 feet off Highway 165).
  2. Our attorney, Catherine LaFond, has completed her review of the Real Property Swap Agreement, and we’re putting the final touches on the contract before it is signed and ratified.
  3. The Business Line of Credit (LOC) has been activated and is ready for use when required. Groundwork has also been laid for the construction loan next year with several local financial institutions.  The bank that will provide the loan is still TBD.
  4. Matt Halter, our in-house civil engineer, is completing the topographical & tree survey on the new site and should be done by the end of next week (Oct. 25th).
  5. Equip Studio is in the process of updating the design for Phase 1 & Master Plan build-out on the new site which will allow Cypress Engineering to move forward with the Schematic Design (SD) once the property has been closed.

NOTE:  The above is not an all inclusive list as there are many more important actions items that have been completed or are in the process of being completed.

The biggest challenges I see at this time have to do with the financing & budgeting items below: 

  1. In order to qualify for a construction loan in the amount required to start building the new AR facility in 2022, three important actions need to happen: a) Have total contributions this year meet or exceed those of 2020 in order to make comp and qualify for the construction loan in the amount needed. b) Raise a minimum of $100K for Pre-construction expenses to move forward with the building project until such time as the construction loan becomes available. c) Conduct a successful capital campaign in the spring of 2022 where pledges and future contributions can be leveraged for bank approval of the construction loan and subsequent permanent financing.

NOTE:  While the Business LOC is available for use and will allow the project to move forward at a faster pace, it will also need to be kept paid-down and available for future Pre-construction expenses such as the building plans and documents produced by Equip Studio starting early next year.

  1. The project design & budget needs to be compatible with available project financing.The project budget has been greatly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and inflationary costs of building material and labor.  The building design and cost must therefore not exceed what AR can finance by a financial institution and raise internally through various fundraising means.

SummaryThe building project has come a long way, and we’re starting to see some light at the end of the tunnel.  That being said, there is still important work remaining to be done, and it will require the total dedication and commitment of the church staff, leadership and congregation pulling together to accomplish.

We are currently having a Pre-construction expense fundraising “push” as part of the “SOME ASSEMBLE REQUIRED” message series which will go through November 7th.  The goal is to raise $100K for the Building Fund to complete the civil engineering schematic design (SD) on the new building site along with other Pre-construction work.  This will expedite the project moving forward in 2022. 

“All the way to $100K!!!

If you would like to make a contribution to the Building Fund for Pre-construction expenses, you can do so here.

Derrick Horres, AR Building Project Leader

Building Update

October 12

Building Update 062 – Some Assembly Required

      October 12               Building Update 062   

    “SOME ASSEMBLY REQUIRED”

Pastor Jenn kicked-off a brand new message series this past Sunday entitled “SOME ASSEMBLY REQUIRED.”  In this exciting, new series (October 10th through November 7th), Pastor Jenn will convey the vision and direction she wants the church to pursue in 2022 and beyond. One aspect of the vision will be creating a permanent home base for Ashley Ridge Church in the Summerville community.

The series title reminds me of a time long ago when I would receive a model kit (car or plane) for Christmas, and it would say “SOME ASSEMBLY REQUIRED” on the box.  This usually meant there were A LOT of itty-bitty parts and pieces that needed to be assembled in the correct order and fit together perfectly.  Not only that, but I would have to read the complicated and sometimes ambiguous directions (can you say ughhh!!!) many times over to understand what part or piece went where, when and how.

The building process has been like that with A LOT of moving parts (little, big and otherwise) which need to be assembled and sequenced in the correct order and fit together perfectly (but without the directions).  The next piece needed to go in place is a short term fundraising effort to fund the swap site expenses.*  You will be hearing more about this from Pastor Jenn & Staff in the coming days.

*These additional funds will be used to complete the initial steps on the new site i.e. geotechnical & civil engineering SD (schematic design), interior & exterior rendering, etc.

The $100K goal of the Vision series campaign will be twofold:  1) raise funds for initial building expenses on the swap site and 2) increase giving totals to assist Ashley Ridge Church in “making comp” in 2021 (receiving as much or more in 2021 as we did in 2020 will help us qualify for the construction loan in the amount needed next year).

The $100K goal of the Vision series will be supplemented by existing church funds and the $50K deposit refund on the additional 10 acre tract of land on Summers Dive where we still hold a purchase option.  SO, this means any amount raised above the $100K goal will help Ashley Ridge conserve its financial resources for future building related expenses in 2022.  To do all of this, we need your help!!!

If you would like to make a contribution to the Vision series campaign, you can do so here.

Derrick Horres, AR Building Project Leader

Building Update

September 28

Building Update 061 – A Time of Sowing

     September 28               Building Update 061   

             “A Time of Sowing”

Sow for yourselves according to righteousness; reap according to mercy and loving-kindness. Break up your uncultivated ground, for it is time to seek the Lord, to inquire for and of Him, and to require His favor, till He comes and teaches you righteousness and rains His righteous gifts of salvation upon you.   –Hosea 10:12

There is never a harvest without a time of sowing (see Ecclesiastes 3:1-2).  I have always loved the song “Turn, Turn, Turn” made famous by the 1960’s rock group, “The Byrds.”  The song is an adaptation of text from the Book of Ecclesiastes.  The master recording of the song reportedly took The Byrds a staggering 78 takes before the group had the final result which was to become one of the most classic and iconic songs of the decade.

This all brings me to this point with regards to Ashley Ridge Church and the Building Project that we are in a time of sowing and breaking up our uncultivated ground.  This is necessary before we can reap the harvest and the end result of an amazing, permanent home base in Summers Corner.

The sheer amount of challenges that have had to be overcome in the building project have been astounding, but right now we are moving forward and in an important season as we iron out the land swap agreement with Lennar for the property next to the high school and having a boundary survey completed. We want to make sure our new campus is built on fertile ground!

Through all the challenges, God has taught us about his righteousness.  This has all taken A LOT longer than expected, but as the writer of Ecclesiastes 3:1 tells us, “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.”

Financial ReportBelow are the MTD giving numbers as of September 27th.  Your continued generosity is so appreciated!  Thank you!!!

$4,742.90  Building Fund  +  $42,657.60  General Fund  =  $47,400.50

If you would like to make a contribution to the Building Fund or General Fund, you can do so here.

Derrick Horres, AR Building Project Leader

Building Update

September 14

Building Update 060 – Comparables

    September 14               Building Update 060   

                “Comparables”

Ok, Ashley Ridge Church fam, I hope everyone had a great and restful Labor Day weekend as we have our work cut-out for us the rest of the year!  We are 20 months into the building project and the capital campaign to raise the necessary funds for the building project.

We are also 20 months into the Operating Budget Freeze with the goal of maximizing Operating Account savings & margin and 20 months into having good Comparables better known as “Comps” in which to go by and chart our financial progress.

Comparables.  Here are some of the Comparables (Month Ending 8/31/2021) we are using to gauge our financial progress and to prepare for bank financing of the construction loan early next year:

YEAR    # MONTHS     TOTAL GIVING    AVG per MONTH

2020           12                   $811,475                  $67,623

2021            8                    $447,459                  $55,932

Total          20               $1,258,934                  $62,947

With four months left in 2021, we need the following to make 2021 comparable to 2020 with regards to total annual contributions received:

$811,475 Prior Year – $447,459 Current Year = $364,016 Difference

$364,016 divided by 4 Months Remaining = $91,004 per Month

Construction Loan.  Since the amount AR can qualify for with regards to the construction loan is partly based on a multiple of total annual contributions received, we still need $364,016 in contributions to match the 2020 total of $811,475 in 2021 to maximize the amount AR can finance.  This works out to an average of $91,004 per month for the remaining 4 months of 2021.

Project Update.  We are finally scheduled to receive the boundary survey from Lennar later this week, and our attorney is reviewing the swap agreement.  SO, hopefully, this will be a BIG week for moving forward with the building project!

If you would like to make a contribution to the Building Fund or General Fund, you can do so here.

Derrick Horres, AR Building Project Leader

Building Update

August 24

Building Update 059 – Real Talk

      August 24                 Building Update 059   

                    “Real Talk”

Wanted to jump on and give you some “Real Talk” on the FOR SVL Building Project!  As the Project Leader, I can tell you almost nothing has gone as planned even though we had a plan.  But, through it all we have continued to revise the plan as necessary and grind out hard-fought progress on the building front.

Lately, we have made progress on getting an agreement with Lennar on an alternate building site (higher in elevation) next to ARHS, progress on securing bank financing, and progress on raising funds to provide working capital until the Business Line of Credit (LOC) and Construction Loan are activated.

None of this has been easy!  In fact, it’s been downright arduous and frustrating at times.  But, one thing keeps me going and that is YOU – the congregation of Ashley Ridge Church!  You keep finding new ways to inspire me to keep the faith and optimism required to complete the building project.

You inspire with:  1) your words of encouragement to each other 2) the ways you find to continue giving generously to the Building Fund & General Fund 3) the way you keep showing-up for worship on Sunday morning in-person and online and, 4) the ways you keep ministering to those in the community

Last week was one for the books (an especially rough week for me and many others) with things going awry in Afghanistan, the earthquake in Haiti, and the spike in COVID-19 cases.  I feel like we are fighting a war on multiple fronts.  I really needed to hear Pastor Jenn’s message this past Sunday on “Why Are You So Afraid?”  

I found the whole service Sunday comforting and uplifting!  They say, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going,” and that is precisely what we are doing at Ashley Ridge Church.  You as a congregation continue to find ways to inspire and encourage each other – giving new meaning to the phrase “Better Together!”

Financial Report. I believe we are seeing a late Summer Surge in General Fund and Building Fund contributions (see below as of August 20th):

$4,475.56 Building Fund + $40,521.21 General Fund = $44,996.77          

If you would like to make a contribution to the Building Fund or General Fund, you can do so here.

Derrick Horres, AR Building Project Leader

Building Update

August 10

Building Update 058 – Project Report

      August 10                 Building Update 058   

               “Project Report”

We are starting to get down to the “nitty-gritty,” and if you are like me, you are getting a little anxious to start seeing the fruits of all our efforts!

While we have had many successes to date i.e. Paying-off the 10 acres of land on Summers Drive, Establishing a Reserve Fund, Concept & Design (EquipLABS), REAL PROPERTY SWAP AGREEMENT (draft), etc., we are still a little ways out from seeing the completed new facility.  SO, I thought it would be a good time to give you a deep dive “Project Report” on the following:  1) new tentative Project Timeline for Phase 1 Construction 2) Revised Project Financing Plan as it currently stands 3) Swap Agreement and 4) Summer Giving

  1. Project Timeline.

     DATE                           TASK                                                     REMARKS

07/25/2021     Request for Proposal (RFP) Issued    RFPs sent to local banks

08/15/2021     Deadline for Proposal Submission    RFP responses due back

08/20/2021     Selection of Financial Institution       Business LOC

09/01/2021     Business Line of Credit (Activated)

09/15/2021     Civil Engineering SD* & Permitting   Cypress Engineering, LLC

01/01/2022     Architectural SD* & Building Plans   Equip Studio

01/15/2022     Selection of Financial Institution       Construction & Term Loan

03/01/2022     Construction Loan (Activated)

04/01/2022     Land Preparation Begins                      Trident Construction GC

06/01/2022     Vertical Construction Begins              Trident Construction GC

       TBD             Vertical Construction Ends                  Certificate of Occupancy

TBD             Building Project Complete!!!              Move-in & First Service

*Civil Engineering and Architectural Schematic Design (SD)   

  1. Project Financing Plan. The project will be financed by external and internal means (external by a bank or other lending institution and internal through various church fundraising efforts).  While the bulk of the construction costs will be financed by the Construction Loan, Ashley Ridge will need to make-up the difference between what the project costs and what can be financed through a bank.
  2. External Financing – From the above timeline, you can see Request for Proposals (RFPs) have gone out to local banks. Church leadership has already met with three banks and initial reports are very positive.  After we have met with all interested banks, one will be chosen to provide the financial products below:
  • Business Line of Credit (LOC) – $300K
  • Construction Loan – Amount TBD
  • Permanent Financing (Term Loan) – Amount TBD

Internal Financing – Any shortfall in financing the overall cost of the project will be made-up using three key internal fundraising elements:

  • Savings in Operating Budget by reduced Expenses
  • Margin created from General Fund contributions over $50K per month
  • Contributions made directly to the Building Fund 
  1. Swap Agreement. Troy Powell continues to “iron out” details of the REAL PROPERTY SWAP AGREEMENT with Lennar representatives.  We are also waiting patiently for the survey Lennar ordered last month to be completed on the new site next to ARHS.  A ratified swap agreement and survey are necessary to start the due diligence process on the new site.  Stay tuned for more swap details!

4. Summer Giving. In BU 057, I talked about the dip in giving we experienced during the month of June, which came in at $41,733.24, and asked for an extra gift in July or August to get us back on track. I am happy to report, we did see a nice bump at the end of July with the month coming in at $46,294.51.  While this is still below the budgeted $50K per month, it was a big improvement, so thank you so much for your continued support!!!

Now that we are into August, I believe we will see a Surge in giving, providing the momentum we need going into the Fall Kick-off.  The goal* this fall is to keep the LOC paid-down and available for future building expenses.  More to come from Pastor Jenn!!!

*Keeping the Business LOC paid-down will allow the building project to move forward without pause until such time as the Construction Loan is activated.

 If you would like to make a contribution to the Building, you can do so here.

Derrick Horres, AR Building Project Leader

Building Update

July 27

Building Update 057 – On the Wall

July 27                  Building Update 057   

            “On The Wall”

My goal in this building update is twofold:  1) to tell you about Nehemiah and his leadership and 2) give you a report on where we are in the building project.

Nehemiah.  First, if you have not heard the story of Nehemiah and the rebuilding of the wall (and gates) around Jerusalem, it’s a good one!  While it is not as well known as Noah and the Ark, it is nevertheless a classic story of a great leader getting the job done despite heavy duty obstacles and distractions like his enemies trying to end his life or undermine his authority:

Now it happened when Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem the Arab, and the rest of our enemies heard that I had rebuilt the wall, and that there were no breaks left in it (though at that time I had not hung the doors in the gates), that Sanballat and Geshem sent to me, saying, “Come, let us meet together among the villages in the plain of Ono.” But they thought to do me harm. So I sent messengers to them, saying, “I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down. Why should the work cease while I leave it and go down to you?” But they sent me this message four times, and I answered them in the same manner.                                                                            -Nehemiah 6:1-4

Like Nehemiah, we too are “On The Wall” and “doing a great work!”  We are in the midst of major building campaign to construct a permanent home base for Ashley Ridge Church and its important outreach ministries i.e. Expanding The Table food truck.   There will be many obstacles to overcome and distractions along the way, competing for our time, attention and financial resources.

BUT, we must not let these obstacles and distractions succeed in getting us to climb down from our wall.  There is too much at stake and too many relying on our unwavering support to the cause of getting the job done.  We do these things not for ourselves but for our children and our children’s children and for those who so desperately need to hear about the Love and Grace of Jesus Christ.

Lately, I have been tempted to slack-off, take a break, redirect financial resources, and let others pull my weight.  But then, I heard a great message from Andy Stanley about how he and his wife where inspired by Nehemiah’s Story to stand on their respective wall for a season in their life, and it reminded me of my duty and obligations to God, Ashley Ridge Church and to myself.

SO, let us be highly resolved to fight this battle to a successful conclusion with the end result being a permanent home base for Ashley Ridge Church and its ministries.  I do not believe any of us will be satisfied with anything less!

Project Report.  Second, I would like to give you a financial report on the giving numbers MTD:

$2,008.31 Building Fund + $39,899.95 General Fund = $41,908.26 TOTAL

While the numbers above are understandable for being off during the summer months, they are not where they need to be as our Operating Budget for 2021 is $50K per month.  Year-to-Date (YTD), the giving numbers look better:

$38,334.00 Building Fund + $347,424.28 General Fund = $385,758.28 TOTAL

 This time last year, we saw a Summer Surge in July and August which would be just amazing if we could make that happen again!  We are about a year and a half into our building project and at a critical juncture.  We have never been so close!

Garrett Reuber, Finance Team Leader, will be meeting with several lending institutions in the next two weeks about the possibility of financing our Business Line of Credit (LOC) and Construction Loan.  Last week, Garrett submitted Request for Proposals (RFPs) to four local banks and three have expressed interest so far in possibly financing our new permanent home base.

Troy Powell, from our Leadership Team, is the point person in negotiating the REAL PROPERTY SWAP AGREEMENT with Lennar on the new property and building site located next to ARHS.  The swap agreement was received about a week ago, and Troy is in the process of countering and “fine tuning” the agreement to make it work for Ashley Ridge Church.

Bottom-line.  We need your continued prayers and financial support during this critical juncture in the building process.  If you can support the project with an extra gift this summer or maybe you just need to catch-up on giving for the year,

in any case, we will be extremely thankful & grateful for any and all contributions to the Building Fund and/or General Fund recieved!!!

If you would like to make a contribution to the General Fund or Building Fund, you can do so here.

Derrick Horres, AR Building Project Leader

Building Update

July 13

Building Update 056 – Swap Update

July 13                  Building Update 056   

            “Swap Update”

We’re Moving!”   What??? When??? Where??? After several months of back and forth negotiations with Lennar, Ashley Ridge Church has sent a Letter of Intent to the developer and agreed to swap the 10 acres of church property on Summers Drive with 10 acres of land located adjacent to Ashley Ridge High School.  This is contingent upon a ratified Purchase and Sale Agreement (PSA) and a 60 day Due Diligence period.

Also, the church has agreed to purchasing 2 additional acres at $60K per acre for a total of 12 acres.  The new property off Delemar Highway (Hwy. 165) will be the future home base for Ashley Ridge Church in Summers Corner and the Summerville community.   More to come on this dramatic development!

– Excerpt from BU 055 dated June 29, 2021

I wanted to give you a quick “Swap Update” on the above BIG Announcement which was made during the Family Meeting back on June 27th.  If you missed it, you can still go and view this pivotal announcement on the Ashley Ridge YouTube channel or online.  You can also go to the church website and read all the past Building Updates.

Since Ashley Ridge Church sent the Letter of Intent last month, Lennar, the developer, has ordered a boundary survey of the new site and has been working on the Purchase & Sale Agreement (PSA).  The boundary survey and PSA are both needed for the church to perform its “due diligence” and, if everything checks out, to close on the property.  The survey should be done on or about July 19th and a draft of the PSA should be received by the church later this week.  Stay tuned for more exciting details!!!

Garrett Reuber, Ashley Ridge Finance Team Leader, is working hard on financing the cost of the new 22,600 square foot facility which will be made-up of Building Fund contributions, Operating Account margin and a bank construction loan.

SO, if you would like to make a contribution to the General Fund or Building Fund, you can do so here.  Your continued support is what makes the new Ashley Ridge Church facility possible!

Derrick Horres, AR Building Project Leader

Building Update

June 29

Building Update 055 – BIG Announcements

         June 29                  Building Update 055   

           “BIG Announcements”

Sunday was a pivotal day of “BIG Annoucements,” and it did not disappoint!  We were expecting BIG news on the building project as this was well advertised in advance with building updates, over social media and a Pastor Jenn video.  And, we got it!!!  But, the building project would have to wait for two other important “BIG Announcements” which were not anticipated nor expected.

BIG Announcement #1.  The Food Truck is hitting the road again on July 16th with serving hot meals to the community on Friday and Saturdays.  Yes!!!  The Food Truck was sidelined for over a year due to the pandemic but is getting back into action.  There will be a work day on Sat. July 10th at the church office 9-12 Noon.

BIG Announcement #2.  The Ashley Ridge Worship team is releasing four new albums between July and early next year.  Say what???  The albums are all recorded and produced “in house” including Mixing & Mastering.  The first is being released as early as mid July.  There will even be a Christmas album this year!  Joy!!!  Stay tuned for more news from James Galloway on this exciting multi-volume project!

BIG Announcement #3“We’re Moving!”   What???  When???  Where???  After several months of back and forth negotiations with Lennar, Ashley Ridge Church has sent a Letter of Intent to the developer and agreed to swap the 10 acres of church property on Summers Drive with 10 acres of land located adjacent to Ashley Ridge High School.  This is contingent upon a ratified Purchase and Sale Agreement (PSA) and a 60 day Due Diligence period.

Also, the church has agreed to purchasing 2 additional acres at $60K per acre for a total of 12 acres.  The new property off Delemar Highway (Hwy. 165) will be the future home base for Ashley Ridge Church in Summers Corner and the Summerville community.   More to come on this dramatic development!

If you didn’t make it Sunday in-person and did not watch on-line, I encourage you to catch the Family Meeting, Part 2 and all the thrilling “BIG Announcements” via the church YouTube channel or website.

If you would like to make a contribution to the General Fund or Building Fund, you can do so here.

Derrick Horres, AR Building Project Leader

Building Update

June 25

Building Update 054 – Family Meeting, Part 2

        June 25                  Building Update 054   

            “Family Meeting, Part 2”

Are you excited about the Family Meeting, Part 2 this Sunday morning during and after the worship service?  I know I am!  Pastor Jenn will be bringing you all the “Breaking News” on the building project and more, but first, a quick financial report for your review and information.

Financial Report.  The month of June has been slower with the start of the summer season and school vacation.  This is not unusual for this time of year, but we are hoping for a big outpouring the last week of the month and could certainly use your assistance in making this happen.  The giving numbers below reflect contributions for the month as of June 24th:

$1,335.84 Building Fund + $33,579.78 General Fund = $34,915.62

The Operating Budget for 2021 is $600K or $50K per month, so any amount (margin) over $50K can be used for building related expenses.  The 2021 fundraising goal for the building project is $300K. This will get us through the Pre-construction & Permitting Phase.

Family Meeting, Part 2The Building Executive Team has been in intense discussions and negotiations with the developer, Lennar, for the past several months and has been successful in hammering out an agreement which we feel is mutually beneficial to both parties.  The agreement has huge implications for the Ashley Ridge Church building project and for Lennar.

I will not steal Pastor Jenn’s thunder by disclosing the terms of the agreement but will say this, “it’s a really BIG deal!”  And, I think you will think so, too!

You just won’t want to miss this exciting event in the life of Ashley Ridge Church!  If you can’t be there in-person, you can catch the Family Meeting, Part 2 on-line via the church’s YOUTUBE channel or website.

If you would like to make a contribution to the General Fund or Building Fund, you can do so here.

Derrick Horres, AR Building Project Leader

Building Update

June 22

Building Update 053 – Two Years with Ashley Ridge

         June 22                  Building Update 053   

          “Two Years w/ Ashley Ridge”

It has been two years since Pam, Pollyanna (our little 6 lbs. Maltese) and I first connected with Ashley Ridge Church via YouTube!  Little did I/we know the chain of events that would be set in motion by watching that first worship service from the comfort of our living room chairs?  But, then again, we all have a story to tell!

Being involved in the building project and creating a permanent “home base” for Ashley Ridge Church is one of the most challenging and important endeavors I have ever had the honor and privilege to be associated with.  I can promise you I will do everything in my power to make this new facility a reality.

While I can influence the action and lead the effort, I can’t make it happen.  It is the people that make-up Ashley Ridge Church that hold the future of the ministry in their hands.  An ambitious and costly a project as building a 22,600 square foot worship and ministry facility will require extensive financial support from the congregation and community.  And, in an era of ever increasing costs in building material and labor, it becomes even more challenging.

Can we do it?  Yes we can!  In the short two years of observing and participating in Ashley Ridge Church, the one word that I think best describes the church is resilience:

an ability to recover from or adjust easily to misfortune or change”

Note:  The verb for resilience is “resile” (ree-zil), as in “the people best suited for today’s world of non-stop change are able to resile.”  The word resile has existed as a legitimate word for thousands of years.  It is derived from the Latin word “resilíre,” meaning “to leap back.”

In the age of COVID-19 and the many challenges that have come with the past year+, organizations that have survived and even thrived were the the ones that had the ability to adapt and change to meet the demands placed upon them.  Ashley Ridge Church is one of those organizations that has adapted, changed and risen to the occasion, and I believe will do so again and again!

If you would like to make a contribution to the General Fund or Building Fund, you can do so here.

Derrick Horres, AR Building Project Leader    

 

Building Update

June 16

Building Update 052 – A Really BIG Deal

        June 16                   Building Update 052   

                “A Really BIG Deal”

Sooooo much is happening on the building front these days. I’m not going to be able to cover it all in one building update, two or even three!  Fortunately, we have a Family Meeting, Part Two coming-up on June 27th where Pastor Jenn will give you all the latest exciting news and details.  There will be time for Q & A as well.  BUT, I can tell you this much, it’s going to be “A Really BIG Deal” and many of the missing pieces we have been looking for since the very beginning of the project are starting to fall into place.

Financial Report.  I will attempt to scratch the surface on some of the latest project news, but first a quick financial report.  We had a solid giving month in May with the below:

$2,284.60 Building Fund + $60,571.38 General Fund = $62,855.98

June has started out slower with the following giving numbers as of June 14th:

$1,290.56 Building Fund + $18,173.73 General Fund = $19,464.29

Project NewsGarrett Reuber, Finance Team Leader, is working on a Line of Credit (LOC) for the next phase of the building process which is the Pre-Construction Phase.  During this phase, Equip Studio will be finalizing the building design/site lay-out and Cypress Engineering will complete the civil engineering work.  This will allow AR to apply for the permits needed to begin land preparation.

The permitting process has a long lead time of 4-6 months, so we will use this time to the fullest extend to pay-off/pay-down the LOC and keep it available for future building expenses.  If we are successful in getting the LOC and keeping it paid-down as we go, it may be possible to ride the LOC all the way to where we receive the construction loan and “go vertical” without having to hit pause for temporary funding, i.e. floors and walls and doors, oh my!!!

If you would like to make a contribution to the General Fund or Building Fund, you can do so here.

Derrick Horres, AR Building Project Leader    

Building Update

June 1

Building Update 051, Patience and Perseverance

        June 1                     Building Update 051   

         “Patience & Perseverance”

There won’t be any numbers, facts or figures, and heck, not even a request for funds in this building update as I wanted to share with you a few of my thoughts going forward into the pre-construction phase of the building project.  This journey of forging a permanent home base for Ashley Ridge Church will put our patience & perseverance to the test.  There will be successes and there will be setbacks before it’s all said and done.  SO, I wanted to arm us with some scripture to meet the demands of the task before us.

“And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”      – James 1:4

I am not a patient person by nature, but I know it is a critical factor to the success of any major project, so I usually make-up for my lack of patience with an intense focus.  I told Pastor Jenn at one of our first meetings discussing the building project that I can get tunnel vision from time to time because I’m so concentrated and laser focused on completing “the mission.”  I am happy to report she and Rick White have done a good job keeping me on track!

But, this scripture verse tells me two important things:  1)  that ALL our hard work, time, energy and effort that goes into completing a task is there for a reason, and that reason is to have a perfect result and for us to develop all the necessary traits to make us perfect, compete, lacking in nothing.  In other words, nothing is lost, nothing is wasted and no sacrifice is in vain!  It is all a part of His perfect plan to make us better Christians and servants and be able to take on the challenges of the world and 2) as much as we want to be “in control” and set the timeline, it’s really God that is in control as He knows the route we need to take to reach our destination.  He knows the journey we take is just as important as the end result!

WE are on this incredible journey T-O-G-E-T-H-E-R to building a permanent home base for Ashley Ridge Church in Summerville, so let us “endure the trials, strive for the perfect result and become more complete along the way.”

Derrick Horres, AR Building Project Leader    

Building Update

May 25

Building Update 050 – Family Meeting, Part 1

  May 25                        Building Update 050   

          “Family Meeting – Part 1”

The only thing more exciting than watching Phil win the PGA on Kiawah Island this Sunday was Pastor Jenn giving us the latest scoop on the Ashley Ridge Church building project! She also talked about all the exciting AR programs and ministry opportunities, but for this update, I would like to focus just on the latest building project news.  NOTE:  If you missed the Family Meeting – Part 1 on Sunday, please take the time to go back and view this important and informative event on the church’s YouTube channel.

During the meeting, Pastor Jenn walked us through the major (building) Project Milestones completed to date and what lies ahead in 2021.  The recap is as follows:

Project Milestones (2020)                     Completed Action or Product Delivered                   

Operating Budget Freeze 2020              Cut expenses and built margin in Operating Acct.

Surge & Stretch Challenge 2020            Capital Campaign for funding building expenses

EquipLABS Session (ES)                            Building Floor Plan Phase 1 & Masterplan

Establish Reserve Fund                             100K put side for emergencies/contingencies

Parker Land Surveying, LLC                     Survey on building site – Summers Corner

Geotechnical (Terracon)                          Geotech Report (soil borings & analysis)

Civil (Cypress Engineering)                      Civil Schematic Design (SD)

Building Site/Land Loan Paid-off            Surge & Stretch 2020 Goal completed March 2021

 

Project Milestones (2021)                      In-Progress or To Be Completed/Delivered

Utility Access & Availability                     On-going negotiations with Lennar (Developer)

Operating Budget Freeze 2021              Cut expenses and build margin in Operating Acct.

Surge & Stretch Challenge 2021*          Capital Campaign for funding building expenses

Exterior Renderings (ES)                          Building exterior architectural design & drawings

Civil (Cypress Engineering)                      Construction Documents & Permitting

Equip Studio (Architectural SD)              Begin Architectural SD & Construction Plans/Docs

Construction Budget (Final)                    Pricing and construction budget approved

Building Project Financing                       Arrange for construction loan to begin land prep.

in 2022 with vertical construction in 2022/2023

*Surge & Stretch Challenge 2021 goal is to raise 200K for the following:  1) continue Civil Engineering work started in 2020  2) provide funds for the production of Construction Plans/Docs by Equip Studio and 3) provide working capital for additional building related expenses as required i.e. exterior renderings, additional survey and/or geotechnical work.

Financial Report.  I also wanted to give everyone a quick report on how things are shaping-up in May with regards to giving.  We still have a week to go, but it looks like it’s going to be a very good month!  Contributions below are as of May 24th:

$1,781.12 Building Fund + $52,511.71 General Fund = $54,292.83 TOTAL

Also, stay tuned for Family Meeting – Part 2 in late June with ALL the latest exciting details of the building project.  Family Meeting – Part 2 will be a LIVE (virtual) and in-person event with plenty of time for Q & A.  You will NOT want to miss this!!!

If you would like to make a contribution to the General Fund or Building Fund, you can do so here.

Derrick Horres, AR Building Project Leader    

Building Update

May 11

Building Update 049 – Family Meeting and Financial Review

              May 11                Building Update 049   

     “Family Meeting & Financial Review”

Family Meeting.  If you haven’t heard already, I want to make sure you know the time and date for the next Family Meeting on May 23rd at 6 pm.  Please put this important event on your calendar!  The meeting will be in-person at Ashley Ridge High School (Lobby) and be carried LIVE on the AR app and YouTube channel.  You will be able to ask questions in-person or virtually!

Also, for the past two months, church leadership has been in discussions and negotiations with Lennar on ways to mitigate the high cost of developing the AR property on Summers Drive, specifically increased costs for land preparation and bringing utilities to the site.  The results of these meetings with Lennar which we should know very soon will be covered in detail at the Family Meeting.  Furthermore, I want to give you a quick Financial Review of the building project to date.

Financial Review.  Since the start of the Surge & Stretch Challenge last year, the Building Surge/Fund has generated $216,259 in contributions as of 4/30/2021.  These funds along with Margin created in the Operating Account from the Operating  Budget “Freeze” at the beginning 2020 and cost savings from the pandemic and subsequent shutdown is what allowed AR to pay-off the 280K land loan balance and establish a 100K Reserve Fund.

In addition to paying off the land and establishing a Reserve Fund, AR has paid $54,690 in building related expenses to the following:  1) Parker Land Surveying, LLC  2) Equip Studio  3) Terracon Consulting and 4) Cypress Engineering

With the above, all the 2020 building and financial goals have been completed or met, and we are ready to move into the next phase of the building process. We will have more on this and all the latest building project news at the Family Meeting on May 23rd!

If you would like to make a contribution to the General Fund or Building Fund, you can do so here.

Derrick Horres, AR Building Project Leader    

Building Update

April 16

Building Update 048 – Financials and Financing

           April 16               Building Update 048   

                  “Financials & Financing”

As AR continues to navigate its way through a complicated and challenging building process, there have been no shortages of tough nuts to crack!  Many of the obstacles in constructing a new Ashley Ridge Church facility have to do with financials and/or financing.   So, I wanted to jump on and give you a quick report.

FinancialsWith respect to financials, I received April’s MTD giving numbers from our Finance Team Leader as of the 15th:

$1,785.56 Building Fund + $31,302.54 General Fund = $33,088.10 TOTAL

The AR congregation continues to find ways to give generously to the Building Fund and General Fund.  This continued generosity has allowed the accomplishment of all 2020 building project goals and more.  Soon, we will be coming out with a new set of project goals for 2021 and our plan for achieving them.  This will enable AR to take the next steps in the building process.  We are getting closer and closer to putting that shovel in the ground!

Financing.   One of the most difficult and important challenges in the building process, is securing financing for the cost of construction.  Of course, we will only finance through a lending institution what we cannot raise internally.

There has been progress on the financing front in that our Finance Team has secured a Letter of Commitment for purchasing the additional 10 acre tract of land if AR decides to exercise its option, and have also had a very positive conversation with a local bank on a possible bridge loan.

While AR has not secured funds for the construction loan itself, a bridge loan would allow the building process to move forward while work continues on putting the construction loan and permanent financing piece in place.  I should have a lot more to report in my next update so stay tuned!

If you would like to make a contribution to the General Fund or Building Fund, you can do so here.

Derrick Horres, AR Building Project Leader    

Building Update

April 13

Building Update 047 – Parcel and Utility Exhibit A

          April 13                Building Update 047   

      “PARCEL AND UTILITY EXHIBIT A”

Church Leadership continues to investigate the feasibility of exercising the option on the additional 10 acre tract of land in Summers Corner.  Just two weeks ago, Garrett Reuber, AR Finance Team Leader secured a Commitment Letter from the bank for funds to purchase the property if Ashley Ridge Church decides to move in that direction.

Having financing in place is one of the keys to being able to exercise the option before the expiration date of July 1, 2021.  The property will also need to be appraised, and due to regulatory requirements the bank will need to order the appraisal and choose the appraiser.  A new survey (plat) may be needed as well.

As I wrote about in my last Building Update (046), the additional 10 acres of land could be important to Ashley Ridge Church for several reasons, but in this update, I would like to focus on just two:

  • Utility Access-in the “PARCEL AND UTILITY EXHIBIT A” below, which is from the Bowman Consulting Report completed in 2017, it shows (in pink) how utility access/service (water & sewer) was envisioned for the new AR facility.  The attachment has a DCWA water main coming 1,600 LF down Summers Dive and sewer line going through the additional 10 acre site connecting on to a DCWS force main located to the rear of the property.
  • Financial Asset-with the rapid population growth of the greater Charleston area, affordable housing is becoming harder to find. This is leading to competition in the housing market and escalating property values.  From January 2021, a few statistics from Realtor.com lists the median home price in Summerville, SC at $284.9K trending up 14% year-over-year. The website REDFIN.COM has in March 2021, Summerville home prices up 19.2% compared to last year, selling for a median price of $310K.

If purchased, one possible use of the additional 10 acre tract would be to sell the property at some point in the future to help fund the construction of the new facility.  Pastor Jenn is working-on scheduling another Family Meeting soon to discuss all the variables involved in the decision making process.

If you would like to make a contribution to the General Fund or Building Fund, you can do so here.

Derrick Horres, AR Building Project Leader

Building Update

March 26

Building Update 046 – A Second Look

             March 26                Building Update 046   

                 “Taking a Second Look”

As most of you know, Ashley Ridge Church has an option on an additional 10 acre tract of land located behind and contiguous to the original 10 acre tract on Summers Drive purchased back in 2017.  The option expires July 1, 2021, and before the option period expires, church leadership (leadership team, building team, finance team) is “taking a second look” to determine if it would be prudent for Ashley Ridge Church to exercise the option to purchase.

Like any major financial decision we make, personally or collectively as a church, there are several considerations. I have outlined the considerations in this decision below:

  • The pandemic has created a boom in real estate values in the greater Charleston market due to an increased influx of people moving to the area. The additional 10 acre tract could be a very valuable financial asset worth far more than the option purchase price of 60K an acre set back in 2017.
  • The sewer access point that AR needs to connect to is located through the additional 10 acre tract behind the property, so if AR does not exercise the option or if we do not receive a utility easement from Lennar, the church could have no affordable way to receive DCWS sewer service.
  • To make the Phase 1 and Masterplan fit on the original 10 acre site, compromises had to be made with parking. The original Masterplan had a total of 530 parking spaces but had to be reduced to 339 due to Dorchester County zoning and building requirements not allowing parking forward of the main building.  According to Alisha Coleman, our Project Manager with Equip Studio, this “will meet code but will likely feel tight, especially in a multi-service scenario.”
  • Even though AR may not need the additional 10 acres to develop the Phase 1 and Masterplan as currently designed, things could change, and the additional 10 acres could be a valuable asset for the church in terms of future growth.
  • At 60K an acre the additional 10 acres would cost 600K and would be a significant financial expense for the church which would have to be at least partly financed by a bank or other financial institution. It should be noted AR does have 50K in escrow which was used to secure the option back in 2017.  This could be put toward the purchase of the property, or in the case of not exercising the option, refunded to the church.
  • The purchase of the additional 10 acres could delay the building process as some existing church funds and future funds would be required for the down payment, due diligence and subsequent debt service.
  • The real estate market can be volatile at times of economic uncertainty which could make the property value of the additional 10 acre tract fluctuate.

Pastor Jenn will be scheduling a Family Meeting soon to discuss all the latest information and details concerning the land option and building project, so please stay tuned!

If you would like to make a contribution to the General Fund and/or Building Fund, you can do so here.

Derrick Horres, AR Building Project Leader

Building Update

March 16

Building Update 045 – “Land Pay-Off & Financial Report”

            March 16                Building Update 045   

      “Land Pay-Off & Financial Report”

Land Pay-Off.  As most of you may already know, the 10-acre tract of land in Summers Corner was completely paid-off on March 1st.  This was accomplished by a flurry of donations and matches coming-in from the Burn the Note “Hot Wings” Challenge.  Garrett Reuber calls this unique “Hot Wings” fundraising event, “Ashley Ridge Church’s version of a “Bake Sale!”  Whatever you call it, it worked, getting us over the finish line!  Can you yell, “WE’RE DEBT FREEEEE????”

Paying-off a 280K loan balance in a little over 11 months is no small feat in the midst of a pandemic and shut-down as this is an average of applying over 23K a month to the land loan principle each and every month for the past year.  Way to go Ashley Ridge Church!!!  SO, I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank all those who have supported the General Fund & Building Surge/Fund with your generous contributions!

It was your dedication and commitment which led to this major milestone and achievement.  You are making a real difference in this church and the Summerville community!  THANK YOU!!!

Financial Report.  February was a difficult month as we had to alter in-person worship service due to weather conditions, plus it was a short month, but we were still able to rack-up solid numbers.  Finalized giving for February was as follows:

$8,555.60 Building Fund + $41,083.00 General Fund = $49,638.60 TOTAL

March giving has started off with a BANG! with matches and donations coming-in on the Burn the Note “Hot Wings” Challenge as well as increased General Fund contributions.  Totals for the month (as of March 15th) are below:

$4,381.97 Building Fund + $53,187.07 General Fund = $57,569.04 TOTAL

Stay tuned for all the latest building project information and the date for next Family Meeting coming soon!  If you would like to make a contribution to the General Fund and/or Building Fund, you can do so here.

Derrick Horres, AR Building Project Leader

Building Update

February 19

Building Update 044 – Countdown: to FIRE!

        February 19               Building Update 044   

               “Countdown: to FIRE!”

Just when you thought the competition between Ashley Ridge Church and the Summers Corner Land Loan couldn’t get any hotter, along comes the Burn the Note Hot Wings Challenge issued during last week’s Live Lobby!  Garrett Reuber read the formal contract live and on air (from an “anonymous” challenger) explaining the rules and conditions of the fiery showdown.

If you watched the Live Lobby, you already know exactly what I’m talking about.  If you didn’t, you owe it to yourself to go back and take a look and get all the exciting details as the gauntlet has definitely been thrown down and the contestants have been selected.  The Countdown: to FIRE has begun!

The basic premise is this:  the Burn the Note Challenge is going to be a “Hot Wings” eating exercise in culinary discomfort and/or pain depending upon the tolerance to HEAT!!! i.e. different levels of HOT!!! sauces of the individual contestants. If the contestants survive, I mean “succeed,”  (haha) then we have a handful of people ready to match up to $7,000 in money given in the month of February to the building fund. As a reminder, our goal is to raise the remaining $20,043.28 to pay-off the land loan by the end of February 2021. So, if we all give together and get to at least $7,000, there is an additional $7,000 coming in matched funds for a total of $14,000 – can you see how close we are?!?!

The exact time and place of the Burn the Note Hot Wings Challenge are still being worked out.  SO, stay tuned to the Live Lobby with Garrett and Jenn, Sunday mornings at 9:30am where you can receive all the late breaking news and details of this novel AR event! Jenn has said it before, and it is certainly true, “Ain’t no party like an Ashley Ridge party!”

We’re in this together, and we’re having some fun along the way. We want YOU to be part of the great story God is writing in our church and in our community!

If you would like to make a contribution to the General Fund or Building Fund, you can do so here.

Derrick Horres, AR Building Project Leader

Building Update

February 12

Building Update 043 – Financial Report and Project Update

            February 12               Building Update 043   

      “Financial Report & Project Update”

A LOT has been happening on the building front the past couple of weeks, and I am anxious to tell you about it!  But first, let’s get a quick “Financial Report.”

Financial Report.  2020 was a banner Giving year for Ashley Ridge Church as you may have already heard with contributions topping 812K, but did you know 2021 has started off even better?  Giving last month was up approximately 16K over January 2020!  Last month’s contributions were as follows:

$14,792.27 Building Fund + $46,933.33 General Fund = $61,725.60 TOTAL

This is the 7th consecutive month Giving has exceeded 60K in a month, with 10 out of the last 13 hitting the mark.  Way to go Ashley Ridge Church!  Your dedication and generosity continues to amaze!  THANK YOU!!!

Also, with regards to paying-off the land in Summers Corner, we are now only $20,388.81 away from making this a reality!  Our goal is to be “debt free” by the end of February.  WE CAN DO IT ASHLEY RIDGE CHURCH – TOGETHER!!!

Project Update.  So much has happened recently it will be difficult to summarize without getting “down in the weeds,” but I will do my best to give you the important information in a “broad brush.”  In BU 038 entitled “Hard Costs & Decision Points,” I talked about the next important step in the process being pricing coming from Trident Construction (GC) and their subcontractors.

Well, I have some good news and some bad news with regards to Hard Costs.  First, the bad news, we received estimates for the Site Work on Friday, February 5th.  Based on the Civil Schematic Design (SD) completed by Cypress Engineering, the land in Summers Corner is going to need 31,327 cubic yards of fill (dirt) to bring the site (building pad and parking lot) up to required elevation at an additional cost of:  31,327 cubic yards x $18.95 per yard = $593,646.65

Also, included in the pricing was the cost of bringing utilities (water & sewer service) to the property/building of $466,000.00.  These two items alone have added an additional 1MIL+ expense to the Site Work which now stands at 2.3MILThis figure includes all Site Work i.e. fill, utilities, asphalt, paving, sidewalks, etc.   

The fill (dirt) requirements are being driven by the fact the floor elevation of the new facility has to be 2 feet above the 100 Year Flood Stage or 17 feet and the parking lot has to have a final elevation of 15 feet.  The survey work performed by Parker Land Surveying, LLC showed the AR property in Summers Corner is currently a mixture of 12 and 13 feet in elevation which means 31,327 cubic yards of fill (dirt) are needed to elevate and balance all subgrades and pads.

As far as bringing utilities to the property, water has to travel 1900ft down Summers Drive.  When the property was purchased in 2017, it was hoped water and sewer service would have made it down Summers Drive by now but that has not been the case.  While Dorchester County Water & Sewer (DCWS) has given permission for the church to connect to their force main located behind the property, the run is still 800ft requiring a utility easement and lift pump station.

The good news is we are in negotiations with the developer (Lennar) over ways to mitigate these costs.  The next 30 days are going to be pivotal for the building project as we are coming-up on key Decision Points in the process.

The Executive Team is working very hard (leaving no stone unturned) to ensure the new AR facility is the best it can be at the most affordable cost.  Please be in prayer that doors continue to open for Ashley Ridge Church and the building project!

If you would like to make a contribution to the General Fund and/or Building Fund, you can do so here.

Derrick Horres, AR Building Project Leader

NOTE:  estimated fill (dirt) requirements and utilities service costs by Celek & Celek Construction, Inc. proposal of 2/5/2021

Building Update

February 5

Building Update 042 – Barnburner

        February 5                 Building Update 042   

                “Barnburner, Folks!”

If you think Super Bowl LV is going to be thrilling on Sunday, we have our own “Barnburner” right here in Summerville, SC!  The exciting, riveting competition is between Ashley Ridge Church and the Summers Corner Land Loan.  This intense rivalry has been heating up over the past year and has recently reached a fever pitch.  Momentum has swung back and forth over the years with Ashley Ridge seizing the initiative in the fourth quarter with a couple big plays for huge chunks of yardage (see BU 039 entitled “1st and Goal”).

Here are the stats as of Thursday, February 4th.  Ashley Ridge Church has a current balance in its Building Fund of $1,346.47 which can be sent against the Summers Corner Land Loan defense with a current principle balance of $22,530.71.  Once these offensive funds are applied to the loan, AR will be only

$21,184.24

 away from a big score and subsequent pay-off!  Are you ready to seal the deal with a BIG “W” for Ashley Ridge Church?

Also, if you were listening to the LIVE LOBBY pregame on Sunday, you heard Coach Jenn, speaking with AR Offensive Coordinator Reuber.  Coach Jenn addressed the really anticipated questions on everyone’s mind of just how the church should celebrate the big win and how the mortgage on the Summers Corner Land would be retired i.e. filed, shredded, cut-up or burned?

Coach Jenn emphatically replied she wanted to see “fire” in reference to Burning the Mortgage.  Coach Reuber seized on the historical significance of the moment and responded with his own version of:  “FIRE! FIRE!”  (In reference to the scene in the movie, Castaway, where Tom Hanks creates fire for the first time after many, many laborious attempts without the use of artificial means)

Well, there you have it Folks! with all the latest scoop and stats from the big game.  The stage is set for what appears to be a down to the wire finish in February!  Stay tuned for further weekly updates you just do not want to miss!

If you would like to help the AR team get a BIG “W” by making a contribution to the General Fund or Building Fund, you can do so here.

Derrick Horres, AR Building Project Leader & Sports Writer

Building Update

February 2

Building Update 041 – “Honk, if you love Jesus!”

        February 2                 Building Update 041   

            “Honk, If You Love Jesus!”

I remember growing up in the sixties and seventies and one particular bumper sticker of the era which said “Honk, if you love Jesus!”  To tell you the truth, I thought it was a little over the top back then, but little did I know, I would be writing about this same bumper sticker decades later.  Some of you may remember it?  And, you may also be asking yourself what does a bumper sticker from the sixties and seventies have to do with the For SVL Building Project.  Well, actually quite a bit. Let me explain.

If you were one of the many that attended the in-person, in-car worship experience this past Sunday at the high school, you saw firsthand what makes Ashley Ridge Church sooooo special!  In the midst of a global pandemic which remains unabated even with multiple vaccines, gusty winds/threats of rain and locked-out of the only inside worship space the church has ever known for almost a year, Pastor Jenn and  Staff found an amazing new way for the congregation to safely worship T-O-G-E-T-H-E-R (in-person).  They did this by calling an audible and executing the:  Global Pandemic Inclement Weather & Interactive Worship Contingency Plan.

I am not trying to make light of a very serious world situation that has caused so much suffering and grief.  On the contrary, my attempt is to showcase the lengths to which our church staff, church leadership and congregation are willing to go to worship T-O-G-E-T-H-E-R in-person on Sunday mornings and maintain some semblance of normalcy during a very uncertain, chaotic and challenging time.

We do this for our children who have seen their lives turned upside down over the past year with school, no school, school (repeat); we do this for those in need of hearing a few words of hope and encouragement – first hand.   And, we do this for all those in desperate need of a smiling face, friendly gesture or personal interaction.

Interaction came when Pastor Jenn asked several responsive questions during her message from the AR “congregation on wheels” with answers coming in the form of honking the horn.  Needless to say there was A LOT of congregational horn honking Sunday, so much so, between leaving the ignition switch on for the radio and my honking of the horn, I ran my battery down.  BTW thanks to James and Mike Greer for the jump:

“In other words, Ashley Ridge Church had a contingency plan for us to gather T-O-G-E-T-H-E-R and worship safely under the most challenging of situations”

This was successful because the church staff had the foresight to invest in an FM transmitter which can broadcast a local FM signal to your car radio.  Communion interaction was accomplished with the aid of self-contained, portable communion kits handed through your car window.

Then, there was the interaction from the hand-outs for all our arLittles and arKids.  So many adults, little people, students (and automobiles) attended Sunday worship, we actually ran out of some of the hand-out materials.  The arStudents were able to have their regular interaction time under the protective cover of the entryway.  All I can say is, Wow!!!  If that is not resilience (spiritual muscle), I don’t know what is!

AND, it is this same resiliency which will see the For SVL Building Project through to completion to matter how long the road or difficult the task!

To wrap this up, you may not see the saying, “Honk, if you love Jesus” anymore on a bumper sticker, but nevertheless, it is alive and well (literally) at Ashley Ridge Church!

Derrick Horres, AR Building Project Leader

Building Update

January 28

Building Update 040 – Huddle Up

       January 28                  Building Update 040   

                       “Huddle up”

Ok, AR team, I’m back with you for another exciting play-by-play (building update) on the pay-off of that pesky Summers Corner land loan.  But, before the next play call, let’s “Huddle up” for some motivational words and inspirational verse.  You know things are about to get serious when someone either quotes Abraham Lincoln or the Book of Romans.

I’m going to give it to you straight!  We, Ashley Ridge Church, are in the contest of our lives with the For SVL Building Project.  The emotional adversaries of anxiety, discouragement and despair would like nothing better than to take us down and make us quit.  Are we going to give-in, knuckle under or fold when the going gets tough?  HECK NO!!!

The next obstacle we face is raising the last 24K in funds to pay-off the land loan in February. We’re so close! Are we going to let this “brick wall” and others down field stand in our way of having a new Ashley Ridge Church facility for our kids, our students, adults and community?  DOUBLE HECK NO!!!

We will NOT stop in our quest to secure a permanent facility for Ashley Ridge Church no matter how long the road or difficult the task!  AND, by doing so, secure a future for ALL those that need GOD in the Summerville community (and beyond) for generations to come!

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.                                                                    -Romans 8:38-39

OK, AR team!  Let’s get out there and play some ball!  BREAK!!!

If you would like to see the AR team score a “HUGE” victory by making a contribution to the General Fund or Building Fund, you can do so here.

Derrick Horres, AR Building Project Quarterback

Building Update

January 25

Building Update 039 – Monday Morning Quarterback

       January 25                  Building Update 039   

                    “1st and Goal”

It’s game day, and we’re “1st and Goal” on the 5 yard line!  Let me explain AR sports fans!  The pay-off on the land loan is down to a measly $24,268.81 which represents just 5% of the 450K paid for the property back in 2017.  That means we have marched 95% or 95 yards down the field and are in the “red zone” poised for a “BIG” score in late February.

Thanks to your generous contributions to the Building Fund and General Fund, we were able to go on an offensive tear with paying down the land loan these last tense but exciting quarters.  There were two “BIG” plays for “BIG” gains which made this all happen:

First, there was “the Surge” draw play up the middle called several times by Coach Jenn and each time executed for “BIG” yardage thereby reducing the principal balance by as much as 30-40K at a clip.  Way to go Coach Jenn!

Then, there was “the Reserve Fund” end around (audible) where 50K was used with effectiveness against the stubborn land loan defense in a onetime brutal (but clean) hit on the principal balance knocking it down to the current level.  Dick Butkus would be proud!  This novel play was developed and inspired by our experienced Offensive Coordinator, Assistant Coach Reuber, who also serves as the Finance Team Leader.   Great call Coach Reuber!

But, we can’t get over confident because you know the opposing side is going to put up a stiff defense over the next few weeks with their backs to the financial goalpost.  SO, Ashley Ridge team, let’s get that pigskin over the goal line this time, make that “BIG” score and “win one for the Gipper!”

We can do it – TOGETHER!!!

If you would like to help the AR team get the ball in the end zone by making a contribution to the General Fund or Building Fund, you can do so here.

Derrick Horres, AR Sports Writer

Building Update

January 22

Building Update 038 – Hard Costs and Decision Points

       January 22                  Building Update 038   

       “Hard Costs & Decision Points”

Cypress Engineering delivered the Civil Schematic Design (SD) set last Friday, January 15th on schedule.  Since then, our in-house civil engineer, Matt Halter, has reviewed the documents and recommended a few technical changes.  Those changes have been made by Cypress and the revised Civil SD set has already been received by Ashley Ridge Church and Trident Construction (GC).

Trident Construction has the “next step” in the building process (and it is a very important one) whereby Trident’s Project Manager, Matt Robbins, will be nailing down the Hard Costs with estimates from their subcontractors.  Trident is shooting to have pricing complete and forwarded to us by Friday, February 5th.

Once pricing is complete, we will have the Hard Costs which includes numbers on land preparation and vertical construction, and the Soft Costs which include other building related expenses such as architectural fees, Audio, Visual & Lighting (AVL), furnishings, landscaping and signage.  Added together these Hard and Soft Costs will determine the total price tag for the new facility and the subsequent project budget.

The whole process so far has led us to points where some very far-reaching decisions will need to be made over the next couple of months.  Based on how much we can expect to raise internally through fundraising efforts over the next 18-24 months and how much we can finance through a bank or other financial institution, the future course of the project will be determined.

Please be in prayer for these “Decision Points” over the next 30 to 60 days and for the building project in general that doors continue to open for Ashley Ridge Church as we work through the next critical steps in the process.

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”                                                                                                -Isaiah 41:10

If you would like to make a contribution to the General Fund or Building Fund, you can do so here.

Derrick Horres, Project Leader

Building Update

January 5

Building Update 037 – Family Meeting Follow-up and Revised Plans

          January 5                   Building Update 037   

   “Family Meeting Follow-up & Revised Plans

If you attended the LIVE Family Meeting (virtual) Sunday night, you saw Pastor Jenn review 2020 and lay out the plans and goals for Ashley Ridge Church in 2021.  She also gave an exciting update on the FOR SVL Building Project with an extensive Q & A session afterwards where she and James addressed a plethora of excellent site plan and building related questions.

I want to take a moment to follow-up and expound on the redesigned Site Plan (facility exterior) presented at the Family Meeting, but before I do, a quick report on December’s amazing giving numbers:

General Fund                      $53,819.45

Christmas Offering              $28,170.04

Building Surge                     $10,823.64

TOTAL                                 $92,813.13

Giving in December was just phenomenal and provided much needed margin in the Operating Account and Building Surge/Fund to continue the building effort on multiple levels:  1) paying down the land loan to 75K 2) providing funds for initial civil engineering costs (specifically 19K for Schematic Design) and 3) smashing the old annual giving record by approximately 80K thereby improving the church balance sheet in preparation for seeking a construction loan later in the year.

Follow-up.   One particular point of interest on the revised Phase 1 Site Plan and Masterplan which I want to make sure came across during the Family Meeting was the amount of thought and effort going into the exterior redesign.  Like the “Expanding the Table” Food Truck, outdoor worship and activities have become an integral part of Ashley Ridge Church’s DNA during the pandemic.  To that end, Equip Studio has gone to great lengths to redesign the outdoor space i.e. amphitheatre, front and rear green space, front plaza, Food Truck Pavilion and arLittles/arKids play areas to be a cohesive, flexible, functional and aesthetic worship and event capable experience.

Also, the use of retaining walls to create moderate changes in elevation on the site will make for a different and unique (for the area) visual for cars passing along Summers Drive.  The retaining walls were originally added to reduce fill (dirt) requirements and lower land preparation costs which may still be the case.

The uses of the redesigned facility exterior are numerous only limited by the imagination.  The new design could also offer additional opportunities for the church to receive rental income from events such as community and school programs, weddings, etc.

Plans  The revised Site Plan for Phase 1 and the Masterplan, presented during the Family Meeting, are below.

If you would like to make a contribution to the General Fund or Building Surge, you can do so here.

 

Derrick Horres, Project Leader

Building Update

December 31

Building Update 036 – Family Meeting Preview

     December 31               Building Update 036   

          “Family Meeting Preview”

As Pastor Jenn mentioned in last Sunday’s Live Lobby, there will be an important Family Meeting (virtual) this Sunday, January 3rd at 8:00 pm.  During the meeting, Pastor Jenn will lay out plans and goals for Ashley Ridge Church in 2021 and give the congregation a comprehensive update on the FOR SVL Building Project.  But first, let’s review the MTD giving numbers for December 1-30th:

General Fund                      $43,710.98

Christmas Offering              $22,273.75

Building Surge                       $5,698.86

TOTAL                                  $71,683.59

In the midst of the holiday season, the building project continues to march on with determined efforts centering on Cypress Engineering completing the Schematic Design and Equip Studio flushing out the redesign made necessary by Dorchester County Zoning ordinances and regulations.  Pastor Jenn will have a revised site plan that will look different than the one presented back in August for you to view and discuss during the Family Meeting.  You just don’t want to miss this next exciting glimpse and evolution into the future home of Ashley Ridge Church!

The Schematic Design* which is scheduled for completion in mid January consists of three main and distinct parts:  1) the finalized Site Plan, Phase 1 and Masterplan 2) the Grading Plan and 3) the Utility Plan

*Schematic Design efforts also includes water main (extended 1,600 LF off-site), sewer lift station (650 LF forcemain to connect to existing off-site forcemain), storm drainage piping and detention design as well as erosion control and landscape architecture (Code minimum for buffers, tree islands and foundation plantings).

In addition to ongoing civil engineering work, the geotechnical investigations (soil borings) and subsequent GeoReport by Terracon was completed and submitted to Trident Construction and the church for review.  A Design & Construction Team meeting was held at the church office on December 16th to go over the results of the GeoReport and redesign.

Thomas Smoak from Terracon attended the meeting via zoom and summarized the GeoReport and findings in an Executive Summary.  While much of the report is extremely technical and detailed in nature, I can speak to the main point of interest to the church which would have the greatest impact on the project timeline and budget: that point being, “the quality and suitability of the excavated soil from the property (specifically the future retention pond) to be used as fill (dirt) for other locations on the property to bring the construction site up to required elevation and grade i.e. parking lot(s) and building pad(s)”

Thomas Smoak conveyed during the meeting, while the soil on the property is not ideal or optimal, like soil consisting of sandy lean clay and clayey sand has been successfully treated chemically with cement or lime and used for building projects in the area.  While the cost to chemically treat the soil is TBD (To Be Determined), this is a significant development which could have a very positive impact on the building project and budget.

After the Schematic Design is completed in January, the civil engineering documents along with the GeoReport will be utilized by Trident Construction (GC) to determine their cost for the project.  This is critical information to finalizing the project budget and should be available to the church by early to mid February.

Don’t miss the Online Family Meeting this Sunday at 8pm, and feel free to reach out with questions along the way!

If you would like to make a contribution to the General Fund or Building Surge, you can do so here.

Derrick Horres, Project Leader

Building Update

December 22

Building Update 035 – A Look Forward

     December 22               Building Update 035   

                  “A Look Forward”

As we say farewell to 2020, I think it is only appropriate that we take “A Look Forward” into 2021 to see what opportunities await us on the building front.  But first, let’s take a sneak peek at the giving numbers for December 1-21st:

General Fund                      $34,854.09

Christmas Offering              $11,153.59

Building Surge                       $2,463.46

TOTAL                                  $48,471.14

While 2020 was all about developing “the plan,” laying the financial foundation and creating the design for the building and grounds, 2021 will be more about moving forward with the goal of putting “a shovel in the ground” before the end of next year.  To do this, we will need to accomplish the following four main tasks:

  • Finish paying for the land in Summers Corner which currently has a principal balance of approximately 95K
  • Complete the civil engineering work which began with the Schematic Design by Cypress Engineering in September
  • Raise funds to a) cover the cost of the civil engineering work and b) cover building related expenses not financed with the construction loan
  • Secure a construction loan from a bank or other lending institution which rolls into permanent financing once the new facility is completed

While these tasks will be challenging and have many, many sub tasks, they can be accomplished.  I have seen door after door open this past year which has allowed the building project to move forward in the face of incredible odds.  God has “showed up” for Ashley Ridge Church again and again in 2020, and I believe He will continue to enable us to move forward in 2021 and beyond!

I would be remiss if I didn’t tell you how thankful I am for the support you have given me this year as the FOR SVL Building Project Leader.  I TRULY BELIEVE THERE IS NOTHING WE CAN’T ACCOMPLISH – TOGETHER!  THANK YOU AND MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!!!

If you would like to make a contribution to the General Fund or Building Surge, you can do so here.

Derrick Horres, Project Leader

Building Update

December 11

Building Update 034 – The Big Picture

     December 11               Building Update 034   

                   “The Big Picture”

There’s A LOT happening on the building front these days, so I want to give you “TheBig Picture” of where we are currently with regards to the project.  But first, let’s take a quick look at the finalized giving numbers for November:

Regular Giving          $46,556.02

Building Surge          $15,106.38

TOTAL                        $61,662.40

 Financial.  As of the end of November, the pay-off on the land loan is down to 97K!  Considering the principal balance was over 310Kin December 2019, this is a very remarkable achievement!  With regards to Surge & Stretch Challenge goals set for 2020, we have been successful with the below:

1)  establishing a Reserve/Contingency Fund of 100K+

2)  paying all EquipLabs fees and survey costs as specified in the Financing Plan

3)  generating over 60K in total giving 8 out of the 11 months so far this year which has enabled AR to reduce the land loan principal by 180K+since the beginning of the Surge & Stretch Challenge back in March

Civil Engineering.  The Executive Team authorized Cypress Engineering to perform the Schematic Design in September.  Since then, Will Rogan with Cypress have met with Dorchester County Zoning and Dorchester County Water & Sewer (DCWS).  The discussions from these meetings have led to a revision by Equip Studio of the original Phase 1 Site Plan and Masterplan. The changes are being driven by zoning requirements and water & sewer access and include but are not limited to the following:

1)  main building has moved closer to Summers Drive and rotated 90 degrees clockwise as parking and outbuildings are not allowed forward of the main building

2)  road access and entrance has shifted to the left side of the property

3)  retaining pond has been enlarged and starts at the front and extends along the right property line all the way to the back

4)  due to flood elevation and building requirements, retaining walls have been strategically placed in the design which should reduce fill dirt requirements and thereby land preparation costs

5)  even though a drop-off circle is allowed forward of the main building by zoning, the changes have made it necessary to move the drop-off circle to the left of the main building

6)  food truck pavilion has moved to the left of the main building near the left property line

7) a plaza has been added in front of the main entrance between the drop-off circle and food truck pavilion

NOTE:  while the site plan has changed significantly the floor plan conceived during the Equip Labs back in August remains unchanged

Geotechnical.  We received the completed Geotechnical Report by Terracon via Trident Construction on Friday, December 4th; however, we have yet to have the opportunity to meet with our Civil Engineers, Will Rogan and Matt Halter.  We hope to schedule a meeting next week at the Church Office to review the report.

Utilities.  Our “in-house” Civil Engineer, Matt Halter, has met with the Lennar Land Development Manager concerning bringing utilities to the property. Discussions regarding utilities and drainage easements along with the possibly of cost sharing in extending nearby water and sewer lines are ongoing.

Summary.  While the construction of the new facility in Summers Corner has many significant challenges still associated with it, we are working hard to overcome the obstacles and mitigate the issues which mainly manifest themselves with an increased cost to the project.  This is why your continued support and financial gifts are so important to this effort!

If you would like to make a contribution to the General Fund or Building Surgeyou can do so here.

Derrick Horres, Project Leader

 

 

 

 

 

Building Update

December 2

Building Update 033 – “Big Stuf”

     December 2               Building Update 033   

           Special Edition: “Big Stuf”

There is big stuff and then there is “Big Stuf!”  I would consider the building project to be big stuff and very important if not critical to the future of Ashley Ridge Church, but it is NOT the “Big Stuf” I want to talk about today in this Special Edition, Building Update.

The “Big Stuf” I want to talk to you about today is the student camp happening this summer in Florida which needs our support. I believe one of the most Capital investments a church can make is in its young people whether that be the little ones or the young adults.  They are the future and the future leadership of the church!

I was raised United Methodist, which meant the church camps I attended each summer were located at Columbia College, Columbia, SC.  They were some of the first experiences I had as a teenager being “away” from home and on my “own.”

They were wonderful experiences filled with making friends, worship and music!

It is also where I received Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Savior in 1974.  This one particular church camp 46 years ago, and this one particular prayer (that probably lasted no more than 30 seconds) has shaped my entire adult life and led me on an incredible spiritual journey to the doors of Ashley Ridge Church.

SO, I hope you can see why I am so grateful for the opportunities I had as a young adult to attend church camp, and why I think it’s such “Big Stuf” for our arStudents to be able to attend. Yesterday we focused our Giving Tuesday efforts on raising funds to help send our students and leaders to camp in 2021, including transportation, scholarships, and more. Even though Giving Tuesday has passed, any time you give to Ashley Ridge Church, you help support critical ministries like these. Thank you for giving!

If you would like to make a contribution to arStudents and the “Big Stuf” Student Camp this summeryou can do so here.

Derrick Horres, Project Leader

Building Update

November 20

Building Update 032 – Thanksgiving and Thankfulness

     November 20               Building Update 032

     “Thanksgiving & Thankfulness”

As I sit here at my desk writing this building update, I am thinking how thankful (and fortunate) I am for all the many blessings I have received this year. But, first I want to give you the latest financial information as of November 19th:

Regular Giving MTD          $28,004.30

Building SurgeMTD             $14,113.54

TOTAL                                   $42,117.84

 The Building Surge YTD has generated $171,756.05. The Surge contributions have put us under $100k in our efforts to finish paying for the land loan.  That is very good news and a major achievement! Thank you so much for your continued support!

Even though Thanksgiving is not until next week, I wanted to start early on all I have to be thankful for this year.  So, I wanted to share my list with you as many blessings have to do with Ashley Ridge Church and the FOR SVL Building Project:

  1. I am thankful for my wife Pam and our little 6 lbs. maltese Pollyanna
  2. I am thankful for my employment which allows me to take care of my family and give generously to Ashley Ridge Church
  3. I am thankful to be the Project Leader, FOR SVL Building Project
  4. I am thankful for Pastor Jenn and her amazing leadership and guidance
  5. I am thankful for James Galloway and the band which provides such wonderful music for our services
  6. I am thankful we have a place to worship outside at Ashley Ridge High School in the midst of the pandemic
  7. I am thankful for the Church Staff, volunteers and congregation
  8. I am thankful for “Hearts For Summerville”and all the outstanding work and support it gives to families in need
  9. I am thankful for the generosity of our congregation with respect to the giving of their time, talent and financial resources in support of the building project and General Fund
  10. I am thankful for my health which allows me to continue to do things I feel are important and make a difference – Thanks be to God!

If you would like to make a contribution to the General Fund or Building Surgeyou can do so here.

Derrick Horres, Project Leader

Building Update

November 6

Building Update 031 – 40-Day Push Wrap-Up

     November 6               Building Update 031

          “40-Day Push – Wrap-up”

The 40-Day Push to Burn the Note has come to an end, and I wanted to give you the latest MTD giving numbers as of the end of October:

Regular Giving          $42,358.49

Building Surge          $24,476.48

TOTAL                        $66,834.97

Even though we were not able to burn the note on October 25th, we moved the needle on the land loan (pay-off) which is now down to 106K! We can see the light at the end of the tunnel, and it is getting brighter and brighter with your unwavering and generous financial support!  Thank you!!!

Consistency, flexibility, and perseverance are the three traits I have seen not only exhibited during the 40-Day Push to Burn the Note but over and over again with regards to the people who make-up Ashley Ridge Church.

Consistency “agreement or harmony of parts or features to one another or a whole”   -Merriam-Webster

Flexibility “characterized by a ready capability to adapt to new, different, or changing requirements”  -Merriam-Webster

Perseverance “quality of continuing with something even though it is difficult” -Collins Dictionary

I believe these three traits will move us forward in navigating the uncertain times in which we find ourselves while continuing to thrive.  And, it is these three traits that will allow us to be successful in constructing a new facility FOR the Summerville community.

If you would like to make a contribution to the General Fund or Building Surgeyou can do so here.

 

Derrick Horres, Project Leader

Building Update

October 23

Building Update 030 – Legos and Land Loan

    October 23               Building Update 030

             “Legos & Land Loan”

Legos.  About four weeks ago, Pam and I received legos which were being given out before the in-person worship service at the high school.  I think I got mine from Amy Young.  This was to be a reminder that we are all an integral part and piece of what Ashley Ridge Church is building in the Summerville community.  It worked!

We have our legos, one teal and one white, proudly displayed on top of our curio cabinet in the living room and every time we walk past them they remind us of what a privilege it is to be a part of something so special and so important for the future of the Summerville community.  Like Pastor Jenn and Andy Stanley, we believe the local church is the hope of the future!

This Sunday, October 25th, Ashley Ridge Church will briefly become “lego land” in the sense we will each have the opportunity to symbolically build a piece of our new building with a written prayer, a lego and an offering.  Pastor Jenn will have more to say on this, but do “mark your calendar” as you and your little people just won’t want to miss this Sunday’s in-person worship service!  It’s going to be fun!!!

Land Loan.  As you know, we are in the final days (Day 38) of the 40-Day Push to Burn the Note on the land. We started off the Surge and Stretch Challenge in March of this year with a loan principal balance of approx. 280K. In the midst of a pandemic and months of inability to meet in person, we have chiseled the land loan pay-off down to 116K. We can get across the finish line TOGETHER! 

As we head into this weekend’s celebration, I wanted to make sure you had the latest giving numbers.  The below figures are MTD as of October 23rd:

Regular Giving          $30,991.61

Building Surge          $19,849.00

TOTAL                        $50,840.61

If you would like to make a contribution to the General Fund or Building Surgeyou can do so here.

 

Derrick Horres, Project Leader

Building Update

October 20

Building Update 029 – Deep Dive (Land)

    October 20               Building Update 029

                “Deep Dive (Land)”

I would like to focus our attention on a “Deep Dive”of the land in Summers Corner with special attention to the land preparation aspect, and how this could affect the project timeline and budget.  The 10 acres of land was originally purchased by Ashley Ridge Church from MWV-East Edisto Summers Corner, LLC on October 30, 2017 for a sales price of $450,000.

In just three short years, Ashley Ridge Church is now in striking distance of not only paying-off the land loan but also moving forward with the building process such that last Thursday, Cypress Engineering was given the go ahead to perform the initial civil engineering (schematic design) on the land.  At the same time, Trident Construction (GC) was authorized to engage Terracon Consultants, Inc. for the geotechnical study and soil borings.

These next two critical steps (taken in conjunction) will help answer the following remaining “BIG” questions with regards to land preparation, project timeline and budget:

1)  What is the composition and quality of the soil across the Phase I and Phase II building site, and can it be excavated and used for fill at other locations on the property?

2)  What will be the fill (dirt) requirements for the building pad and subsequent parking lot, outdoor worship space and food truck pavilion? 

3)  How will the results of the schematic design and geotechnical study affect the location and placement of the building, retaining pond(s), etc. on site as rendered by Equip Studio in the Phase I and Phase II Masterplan?

4)  What will be the required floor elevation as determined by local, county, state and federal building codes?

5) What routes will the utilities need to take in bringing water, sewer and electrical service to the property, and what special considerations may be needed with respect to utility easements? 

6)  How will the results of the schematic design and geotechnical study impact the cost and timeframe of land preparation, vertical construction and the building project in general?

NOTE:  All the above important questions and more should be answered in the next 4-6 weeks by the scope of work currently being performed on the property.

This is an exciting time for the church as the farther and farther we travel down the building project road, the closer and closer we get in experiencing the reality of the new Ashley Ridge Church facility in Summers Corner!

If you would like to make a contribution to the General Fund or Building Surgeyou can do so here.

 

Derrick Horres, Project Leader

 

 

Building Update

October 16

Building Update 028 – Mission Possible

    October 16               Building Update 028

                “Mission Possible”

As the Project Leader, it seems I spend most of my time either promoting fundraising in some fashion or executing difference aspects of the financing plan.  I believe this is because the building project is as much about how to pay for it as actual construction.

We were able to assemble a quality team of key players in an amazingly short period of time!  Equip Studio, Trident Construction, Cypress Engineering are all ready to go to work as soon as funds are available.

We have been moving the ball down the field using cost savings and margin in the Operating Account.  We cannot continue to do this forever, but it is advantageous to do so as long as we can.  This strategy has got us to where we are now ready for the initial civil engineering work and geotec soil borings to begin.

Our plan is to NOT seek bank financing until early next year.  This is for several reasons:  1) allow sufficient time to pay-off the remaining land loan balance, 2) establish a reserve fund, 3) generate sufficient working capital for pre-construction expenses, 4) not have to pay interest on a construction loan until it was absolutely necessary, and 5) raise as much internally as we can to reduce the amount required for bank financing and debt service.

The pandemic greatly affected our ability to generate the necessary capital in the timeframe originally thought. So, we have had to stretch the Building Surge and make other necessary changes to the plan.

The current hurdle for Ashley Ridge Church is to raise the required funds to pay-off the remaining 125K balance on the land. This will keep the ball moving forward until early next year and answer the remaining unknowns on land preparation requirements and costs.

We have seen things continually made possible during this project which would have seemed impossible!  I believe the following verse from the Book of Mark says it all:  “Jesus looked at them and said, “With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.”– Mark 10:27

 If you would like to make a contribution to the General Fund or Building Surgeyou can do so here.

Derrick Horres, Project Leader

Building Update

October 13

Building Update 027 – Morning Encouragement

    October 13               Building Update 027

        “Morning Encouragement”

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Jeremiah 29:11

I wanted to spend a few minutes giving everyone a good dose of “Morning Encouragement” on where we are in the building process and just how far we’ve come.  So, today’s update will cover a lot of ground in the three main project areas:  Financial Report, Construction Progress and Vision Development

Financial Report.  September giving finished strong with the General Fund receiving $46,703 in contributions which is just shy of the budgeted 50K per month needed.  Building Surge contributions for the month totaled $17,565 which includes $7,249 in memorials from the Dr. Bradley A. Brown Building Fund.

Total giving for September: $64,268

In October so far, the General Fund has received $16,276 MTD with the Building Surge and Memorial-Building Fund receiving $5,116 and $4,929 respectively.  Total MTD giving as of October 12th:  $26,321

For 2020, the numbers look even better!  The General Fund has received $471,890 YTD in contributions with the Building Surge and Memorial-Building Fund receiving $130,782 and $12,428 respectively.  These numbers are stellar!

Total 2020 YTD giving as of October 12th:  $615,100

Financial Summary: That’s right!  You guessed it!  By the end of the first half of October, total giving this year has already surpassed total giving in all of 2019 by at least 10K. This has us within 125K of paying for the land and allowed the building project to move forward by using cost savings and margin from the Operating Account to pay building expenses.  Well done everyone!

Construction Progress.  All the key players are in place to proceed with the building project. Equip Studio is on board as the architectural firm along with Trident Construction, the General Contractor (GC).  Parker Land Surveying, LLC has completed the topographic survey and Cypress Engineering will be starting the civil engineering as soon as we give them the go ahead.

Construction Summary:  When we get the land loan paid-off, we can proceed with Cypress Engineering and the civil engineering scope of work.  So, good job everyone and keep those prayers and contributions coming!

Vision Development.  If you were able to catch the Family Meeting on Sunday, October 4th, you saw Pastor Jenn roll-out the Floor Plan and Phase I and Phase II Masterplan in great detail.  The concept & design of the project was carefully developed and customized during the Equip LABS session back in August.

The new facility is tailored to the ministry needs of not only our congregation but to the ministry and missional needs of the Summerville community.   If you have not seen the Floor Plan and Phase I and Phase II Masterplan graphics, you can do so by subscribing to Building Updates here.

Vision Summary:   Over the next few months, we will be working with the architects and the GC on interior and exterior drawings and will determine the type of construction materials to be used.  The interior and exterior “look” will be based on a combination of desired aesthetics, ARB requirements and budget constraints.

Conclusion:   The FOR SVL Building Project has seen tremendous progress over the past year and everyone can be VERY proud of the determined effort Ashley Ridge Church has made to date under extremely difficult circumstances! Our immediate focus is on paying for the land with the 40-Day Push to Burn the Note and getting the civil engineering scope of work started as soon as possible! This will lead us into land preparation and permitting. For this, we will need your continued prayers and support!   We are making this journey – TOGETHER and what an incredible adventure it has been so far!  The BIG Push is on!!!

NOTE:  Building Updates will continue to be posted on Tuesday and Friday for the remainder of the 40-Day Push to Burn the Note after which will go back to being bi-weekly with posting on Friday.

If you would like to make a contribution to the General Fund or Building Surgeyou can do so here.

Derrick Horres, Project Leader

Building Update

October 9

Building Update 026 – “Dear Noah”

    October 9                Building Update 026

                     “Dear Noah,”

I think your story is one of the most amazing and remarkable in the Bible!  With just hand tools and members of your family as helpers, you were not only able to build a boat large enough to save mankind from a worldwide catastrophe and flood, but you also succeeded in saving one male and one female from every kind of animal and creature.  Your story is filled with faith, perseverance and promise and walking faithfully with God.  I hope you don’t mind if I use part of the story.

14 So make yourself an ark of cypress wood; make rooms in it and coat it with pitch inside and out. 15 This is how you are to build it: The ark is to be three hundred cubits long, fifty cubits wide and thirty cubits high. 16 Make a roof for it, leaving below the roof an opening one cubit high all around. Put a door in the side of the ark and make lower, middle and upper decks.

                                                                                                         -Genesis 6:14-16  

Ashley Ridge Church is building an “ark” as well.  It is not to be a boat to float on the water like yours but a building to sit on dry land in Summers Corner.  While we will not be taking on animals and creatures (at least that we know of), it will be a place where our families, friends, and neighbors in the Summerville community can take refuge and seek safety from all types of present day storms.

At times, the task has seemed overwhelming and daunting, building a 23K square foot facility during a pandemic, economic crisis, and political upheaval.  Maybe you had similar thoughts in your time with the challenges you faced?  We have been able to take comfort in the following verse from the Book of Romans.

31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?                                                                                       -Romans 8:31

We are in Day 24 of a 40-Day Push to Burn the Note and have whittled the pay-off on our land loan down to 132K with a little over two weeks left until October 25th and the end of the big push.  As you can see, we still have a ways to go.

What we really need is another flood, not of rain and water this time, but of prayers and contributions of every kind.  Like you, we have the opportunity to be a blessing to those that come after us by what we are able to accomplish with our defining building task.  With God’s help and your example, we will get ours done, too – TOGETHER!

Derrick Horres, Project Leader

Building Update

October 6

Building Update 025 – Family Meeting Postscript

    October 6                Building Update 025

       “Family Meeting Postscript”

Anyone else have trouble going to sleep Sunday night after the Family Meeting?  It was a super exciting evening to see all the work done over the past year come to fruition and be able to be shared with everyone.  The more the Family Meeting went on, the longer I wanted it to last!  It was as if I/we were already there!

I envisioned myself in the new building getting coffee (decaf) at the portable Coffee Bar or sitting in the Lounge catching-up with John Johnson or hanging out in the Lobby before worship chatting with greeters, Sandy, Mark and Ronnie.  Once the music started and I could hear James and the band, I headed for the Worship area and sat in the very back soaking it up and absorbing the whole experience in all its many facets of just worshiping GOD – TOGETHER!

If you missed the Live Family Meeting Sunday, don’t panic! You can still view the entire event on the Ashley Ridge Church YouTube page.  If you were with us, then you saw the future Ashley Ridge Church facility and grounds laid-out in great detail by Pastor Jenn.

You saw Pastor Jenn describe the Lobby, arLittles wing, arKids wing with washer & dryer, Student large group and small group spaces, Worship area, Administrative area with Lounge and Green Room, Food Truck Pavilion and Outside Worship Green space, Parking Lot and Drop-off areas and so much more.  Then, after a 30 minute Q & A where Pastor Jenn and James answered your many questions, it had to come to an end.

It would take me pages and pages to describe all the features and details of the new AR facility and grounds, but luckily for me, James Galloway has been able to put all the Floor Plan, Phase I & Phase II Masterplan graphics from Sunday night in a Dropbox folder which you can access here.

Please go and view all the amazing features and details of the new AR facility and grounds for yourself, and if you should have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact me at:  horresjd@gmail.com

If you would like to make a contribution to the General Fund or Building Surgeyou can do so here.

Derrick Horres, Project Leader

Building Update

October 3

Building Update 024 – Big Reveal & Appeal

    October 3                Building Update 024

       “The BIG Reveal & Appeal”

The BIG Reveal.  This Sunday evening, we will have a VERY special online Family Meeting of enormous magnitude and scope for the life and future of Ashley Ridge Church. The Family Meeting will encompass “The BIG Reveal” during which Pastor Jenn will roll-out the Floor Plan and Phase I and Phase II Masterplan for the new Ashley Ridge Church facility to be built in Summers Corner starting next year.

I will not spoil the event for you with a lot of fun facts and figures on our new facility at this time but instead will defer to Pastor Jenn to give you all the exciting details and visual graphics on Sunday evening, October 4th at 8 pm.  You just don’t want to miss this first glimpse into the future house of worship for Ashley Ridge Church and home for Summerville!  Can’t wait!!!

As you know, we are also in the midst of the 40-Day Push to Burn the Note, and while we have had much success with the Building Surge so far this year (despite the pandemic), we still owe approximately 136K on the land loan.  What we really need to continue to move forward with the building process in the most expeditious manner is a collective “big hit” on the loan principal, thereby reducing it to within striking distance of being paid-off on or before October 25th!  It is crunch time, and we really need your help!

The BIG Appeal. To get the “big hit” on the land loan, we are sending out an urgent appeal to all our Ashley Ridge Church family and supporters.   Partner with us this weekend to significantly reduce and/or pay-off the land loan before or during the Family Meeting Sunday evening by giving a one-time gift via the Building Surge, each according to what they can do. I can’t think of a better way to move the mountain than for us all to do it – TOGETHER!

Prayer.  Dear Lord, we come to you today asking for your help in moving this tall mountain (paying for the land) which stands in the way of our quest to build a house for Ashley Ridge Church and home for Summerville.  Give us the strength, determination and will to get this done not just for ourselves but for all that would benefit from this facility for years to come.  Let’s us each do what we can in this effort but leave the results with you.  In Jesus’ name my pray.  Amen.

If you would like to make a contribution to the General Fund or Building Surgeyou can do so here.

 

Derrick Horres, Project Leader

Building Update

September 29

Building Update 023 – Crunching the Numbers

   September 29                Building Update 023

       “Crunching the Numbers II”

The previous “Crunching the Numbers” was Building Update 005 back on May 8th.  We have come a long way in the building process since then, so it’s time to crunch the numbers again!  The figures below are MTD as of September 28th, or Day 13 of the 40-Day Push to Burn the Note:

Regular Giving          $45,702.81

Building Surge          $16,083.61  (includes Memorials to Building Fund)

TOTAL                        $61,786.42

The Building Surge has generated $131,354.49 YTD, and when all the recent contributions have been applied to the land loan (plus regular monthly payments) the pay-off will be approximately 136K.  We continue to make huge strides in paying for the 10-acre building site in Summers Corner. The 40-Day Push to Burn the Note is to have the loan completely paid-off on or before Sunday, October 25th.  We are getting close to getting this done – TOGETHER!

The original 2020 Surge goal of 400K was broken down into three parts:  1) 280K paying for the land 2)  100K establishing a Reserve Fund and 3)  20K for Concept & Design (architectural fees).

Since the start of the Surge & Stretch fundraising initiative earlier this year, we have been able to fund the Reserve plus pay all architectural design and survey fees to date using cost savings/margin from the Operating Account.  Thus, we are only 136K away from not only paying-off the land loan but reaching our 2020 Surge goals as well.  I can’t tell you enough how much your generous financial support is appreciated – it is making the dream a reality! Speaking of which:

THIS SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4TH AT 8 PM, WE WILL BE HOSTING A LIVE FAMILY MEETING, COMPLETE WITH THE “BIG REVEAL!”  THAT’S RIGHT, YOU WILL BE ABLE TO SEE THE FUTURE ASHLEY RIDGE CHURCH FLOOR PLAN, and the PHASE 1 AND PHASE II MASTERPLAN.  YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS THIS EXCITING EVENT!!!

If you would like to make a contribution to the General Fund or Building Surgeyou can do so here.

Derrick Horres, Project Leader

Building Update

September 25

Building Update 022 – So Much Progress!

   September 25                Building Update 022

                “Progress Report”

There is soooo much going on which I need to tell you about; I decided to do a special building update to coincide with the start of the “40-Day Push to Burn the Note” which runs September 16th – October 25th.  So, in reference to all that is happening on the building front, I am naming this update:  “Progress Report”

  1. Concept & Design. Pastor Jenn, the AR Staff and I had our last full Zoom video conference with the architects on September 14th to iron-out remaining details and specs for the new building design started during the EquipLABS session back in August.  It went very well, and Equip Studio has made the final changes and adjustments this past week.  On Tuesday, we received the final deliverables.  That’s right! We will be able to show you the new Ashley Ridge Church facility (Floor Plan and Masterplan) very soon!  Can’t wait!
  2. The survey work being performed by Parking Land Surveying, LLC was completed last week. This means we have the topographic survey, tree survey, and water and sewer surveys on the building site in Summers Corner.
  3. Land Loan. Starting September 16th through October 25th, is the 40-Day Push to Burn the Note.  You will hear more about this from Pastor Jenn, but I can tell you this “it is the BIG push to pay-off the remaining balance on the land loan.”  Paying for the land will give us initial equity in the building project and clear the way for bank financing early next year.  We can get this done – TOGETHER!
  4. Civil Engineering.On Thursday, September 17th, we had our initial civil engineering meeting with Trident Construction (GC) and Cypress Engineering at the Church Office. I can’t overstate how important the civil engineering piece is to the building project as it is this scope of work which leads directly to receiving the required land preparation and construction permits.  Cypress will start with schematic design along with geotechnical survey and soil borings.

 

As you can see from all the above, there is A LOT of progress being made with regards to the building effort, and we really need your support during this critical phase. Whatever you can contribute to the General Fund and/or 40-Day Push to Burn the Note via the Building Surge will be very much appreciated!!!

If you would like to make a contribution to the General Fund or Building Surgeyou can do so here.

Derrick Horres, Project Leader

Building Update

September 11

Building Update 021

   September 11                 Building Update 021

                “Next BIG Step”

Over the past year, everyone associated with the For SVL Building Project has worked extremely hard, laying the foundation for the construction of the new AR facility in Summers Corner. We have seen doors open at every point, level and phase of the process.  It has been an incredible experience for me, personally, to see the number of individuals jump on board and assist with the effort. I am truly grateful!

The architects with Equip Studio are amazing professionals with years of experience and expertise in church Concept & Design and came through BIG TIME during the EquipLABS charrette.  A charrette is an intensive planning session where designers and others collaborate on a vision for development.  It provides a forum for ideas and offers the unique advantage of giving immediate feedback. The charrette format (along with the very precise and detailed input from the AR Staff) was instrumental in the overarching success of the EquipLABS.

Trident Construction as the General Contractor (GC) was chosen for the project several years ago and is just the company that can pull it all together and make the dream a reality.  Trident will perform the actual land preparation (putting the shovel in the ground) to completing the vertical construction.

The “Next BIG Step” is paying for the land in Summers Corner.  Paying-off the land loan is the key to proceeding with the building project on many levels for many important reasons.

You will be hearing shortly from Pastor Jenn about our 40-Day Push to Burn the Note, which will be a maximum effort to finish paying for the land.  Let us “TOGETHER” do what we can to support this amazing effort that allows the building project to take the “Next BIG Step!”

If you would like to make a contribution to the General Fund or Building Surgeyou can do so here.

Derrick Horres, Project Leader

Building Update

August 28

Building Update 020

August 28                    Building Update 020

                  “Leverage”

Financial Update.   The Building Surge has generated $14,735.30 MTD in contributions and $113,894.88 YTD and is showing no signs of slowing down.  To pay-off the land loan, an additional 159K will be needed in Building Surge contributions.

The General Fund has received contributions of $38,493.38 MTD. General Fund contributions are running behind the 50K budgeted amount per month which will cut into the margin created over the first months of the year unless there is a strong finish in the last 3 days.  Any additional contributions to the General Fund to help make budget in August would be much appreciated!

Leverage.  I had mentioned in Building Update 013 that we were starting to see giving in general being leveraged by the sheer number of individuals and families participating in Regular Giving, Stretch Giving and Building Surge fundraising efforts.  So, with this update, I would like to drill down into some more detail and numbers.

Below is an estimate of where we were back in February/March when the Building Surge first started (by percentage of regular giver participation as a function of time) to where we are now, and where we will need to be by the end of September:

DATE             PARTICIPATION*                              REMARKS

February 2020            10-15%                  Pre-Surge Commitments from Leadership

March 2020                15-20%                  21 Day Fast and Commitment Day

May 2020                    20-25%                  End of initial Surge & Stretch period

Jun – Aug 2020           25-35%                  Surge & Stretch Challenge extended

September 2020          55-60%                 Participation needed by September 30th to pay-off land       and create sufficient margin

NOTE:   Definition of leverage – to use (something) to maximum advantage                                                                                                                                   Oxford Dictionaries

*It is hopeful that more and more of our congregation (regular givers and first-time givers) participate over time in fundraising efforts as we will need increased margin in the General Fund to generate the necessary working capital for the building project and sufficient Building Surge contributions to pay for the land, establish the Reserve Fund and have sufficient working capital for building related expenses prior to seeking bank financing.

If you would like to make a contribution to the General Fund or Building Surgeyou can do so here.

Derrick Horres, Project Leader

Building Update

August 27

Building Update 019

   August 27                  Building Update 019

       “EquipLABS – Summary”

Now that the 2 day on-site design lab is over, Jonathan Edens and his team of architects are working at their office in Greenville, SC for a 2-3 week design period.  At the conclusion, there will be a virtual review process with Ashley Ridge Church and Trident Construction (GC) after which the final deliverables will be given to the church.

The deliverables due from Equip Studio are as follows:

  • Preliminary cost analysis
  • Conceptual Phase 01 floor plan (rendered)
  • Masterplan (rendered)

EquipLABS has been a major leap forward for the building project.  It has not only produced an excitingly viable concept and design within or very close to project budget parameters but has projected growth and future building phases already incorporated into the Masterplan.

Several important time sensitive tasks have come from discussions with the Equip Studio architects and Trident Construction Company representatives:

  • civil engineering work will need to commence on the land as soon as possible to determine soil composition, fill (dirt) requirements, water and sewer routes and location of retention ponds
  • the church will need to continue adding money to its contingency (reserve) fund in preparation for bank financing application requirements
  • fundraising efforts will need to continue to pay-off existing land loan balance via Building Surge contributions
  • Regular Giving will need to increase to create sufficient working capital from margin in the Operating Account to pay civil engineering costs and other building related expenses

If you would like to make a contribution to the General Fund or Building Surgeyou can do so here.

Derrick Horres, Project Leader

Building Update

August 26

Building Update 018

August 26                  Building Update 018

           “EquipLABS – Day 2”

When I left the church office late on Monday, Pastor Jenn and James Galloway were getting ready to take the Equip Studio team of architects out to dinner before the team retired to their hotel rooms to continue working on the design.  I was supposed to go with them but due to the absolutely horrible weather, I decided it was best to make the long trek home (West Ashley) in the pouring rain and flooded roads while there was still daylight.  It was a good decision!

It had been a tough afternoon session with the EquipLABS and everyone was tired and a little deflated.  The ministry requirements of the church weren’t translating and matching-up well into a design that was compatible with the project budget and the compromises seemed “gut”wrenching, and difficult to process in the heat of the moment.  We all knew the EquipLABS was a process and that process needed to play out.

Pastor Jenn, James, and Jonathan Edens along with his team of architects discussed the project over dinner, which resulted in the following email from Pastor Jenn at 5:56 am yesterday morning:

“I believe we still have a lot of work to do today.  Yesterday got us to the critical tension point of where our timeline and budget meet land and construction costs.  Today we need to get creative and mine for more options to bring the two closer together.  I’m definitely not ready to move forward with the sizes and spaces that came with the first draft.  I felt better after talking it through at dinner with Jonathan and his team because they also feel as though there are more options for us to explore.”      -Jenn Williams

I think we all knew deep down when we left the church office Monday in a sky filled with dark and menacing clouds that the building project hung in the balance of what would happen on Day 2.  Jonathan and his team of crack architects worked until midnight on a new design.

When I left home for Day-2, I wasn’t quite sure what the day would bring.  When I got to the church office a few minutes early, I had this sense of peace like everything was going to be all right, and after talking to Jenn and James, I felt that they had the same sense, too. I think sometimes we delude ourselves into thinking we have control of a given situation when actually it’s God working his will the whole time.

As Jonathan presented his team’s new design for our building, I immediately noticed this was different, and the more it was explained, developed and refined during the day the better and better it got.  This wasn’t just good, it was great!  As the church staff, one by one began to give their input and the design was tweaked, I realized this isthe future home of Ashley Ridge Church taking shape and form before our very eyes!

As Jonathan and his team worked, flushing out the building design and developed the Master Plan, the more I watched in amazement. Once they knew they had our approval and confidence, they worked with such speed and efficiency. It was fun to just sit there and watch, which Matt Halter and I did for two hours.

I left the church office yesterday with great excitement, and shortly received the below text from Garrett Reuber, AR Financial Team Leader.  Garrett came for the Building Design and Master Plan presentation at 1:30 pm.  He sent this at 4:37 pm:

“After today, I have never been more excited about the future.  To see a very realistic and simplistic design come together for the now, coupled with concrete plans of how to expand as we grow is 100% something to think the ENTIRE church will be able to get behind. The Staff provided invaluable input for an incredible design and interacted with Equip while Jenn looked on like a proud Mom.  It was awesome.  There is no doubt, going to be challenges and very real hurdles that need to be gotten over (many of them financial), but my goodness-this really isn’t just pie in the sky dream.  It will happen.  ”TOGETHER” is the way.”     -Garrett Reuber

If you would like to make a contribution to the General Fund or Building Surgeyou can do so here.

Derrick Horres, Project Leader

Building Update

August 25

Building Update 017

August 25                  Building Update 017

                  “EquipLABS”

Today was the first of two days spent with representatives from Equip Studio (architectural firm) and Trident Construction (General Contractor).  The day kicked-off at the church office with Prayer and short Introductions of all the team representatives followed by an update from Pastor Jenn on the Ministry Direction and Vision of the church.

Jonathan Edens, lead architect with Equip Studio, made an initial presentation on the Structure of the EquipLABS Process and what to expect over the next 5-9 weeks followed by a Programming Review of church attendance numbers and statistics.  Prior to today, Equip Studio had conducted Zoom interviews with all the church staff to determine size and scope of the various individual ministries, i.e. worship, arLittles and arKids, arStudents, Food Truck (Expanding the Table), etc.

Based on their research into the numbers and information provided by prior Zoom interviews, Jonathan Edens made a presentation on two different size Building Options of 30K and 39K square feet and their estimated costs of approximately $11,000,000 and $14,000,000 respectively.  Due to the size and cost of these two options, the project leader and church staff chose to go with a smaller size building in keeping with a project budget limit of $7,000,000 to include all hard and soft costs.

In the afternoon, there was a Big Picture Discussion to establish and narrow the design direction after which Equip Studio and Trident Construction representatives broke into a separate Develop Design Direction session to further refine the design.

In the final session of the day at 6 pm, everyone got back together, and Jonathan Edens presented a basic design. This preliminary design will be further developed by the Equip Studio architects over the evening hours with a Design Review presentation on Tuesday morning followed by the development of a Master Plan. Stay tuned for Building Update  018 on EquipLABS – Day 2!

If you would like to make a contribution to the General Fund or Building Surgeyou can do so here.

Derrick Horres, Project Leader

 

Building Update

August 24

Building Update 016

August 24                  Building Update 016

                  “Game Plan”

At last night’s virtual Family Meeting, Pastor Jenn laid out the “Game Plan” for getting us over the building project hump.  If you did not catch the Family Meeting last night, I encourage you to do so.  The meeting is available on YouTube and it will also be re-broadcast every night this week at 8pm on live.ashleyridgechurch.org.

The plan has two main tasks which need to be accomplished 1) paying for the land in Summers Corner on or before September 30thand 2) starting the civil engineering phase of the building process as soon as possible to allow for the long lead time in permitting.  Both these time sensitive, key tasks will help clear the way for construction of the new AR facility in early 2021.

Paying for the land. To pay-off the 167K loan balance on the land in a little over 5 weeks is a tall order but not an impossible one. Yesterday, Pastor Jenn talked about how nothing is impossible with the Spirit of God. We can get this done if we do it – Together!  Many have already given generously to the Building Surge and for that we are truly grateful.  All we can ask is that everyone that is connected to Ashley Ridge Church pray about what roll each may have in accomplishing this principle and paramount task.  All contributions to the Building Surge go first and foremost to paying for the land.

Starting the Civil Engineering.  To start the civil engineering work on the land in the next few weeks is also a tall order as it will need to be funded by margin in the Operating Account.  So far, we are using margin in the Operating Account to pay for survey work and the EquipLABS fee.  To use the Operating Account for the civil engineering work also, will require continued margin creation by your generous contributions to the General Fund above and beyond Regular Giving.  All margin over the monthly budgeted 50K amount can be used for building expenses.

Summary. This is a “Battle Stations” all hands on deck moment in the life of Ashley Ridge Church!  Any and all support (financial and otherwise) given to the successful execution and conclusion of the “Game Plan” and accomplishment of these two principle tasks, will be much appreciated, and I personally, as the Project Leader, will be most thankful!

If you would like to make a contribution to the General Fund or Building Surgeyou can do so here.

Derrick Horres, Project Leader

 

Building Update

August 21

Building Update 015

 August 21                   Building Update 015

              “Family Meeting!”

This Sunday evening, August 23rdat 8 pm, Ashley Ridge Church has a very important Family Meeting and an appointment with destiny.  Pastor Jenn will talk about exciting upcoming plans for Ashley Ridge Church to resume in-person gatherings, and she will give a progress report (with Q& A) on the building project.  It is so crucial to communicate this information to the congregation that the Family Meeting will be replayed each evening at 8 pm for the next 5 nights.

I want to encourage everyone to watch and participate in this important virtual event.  As the Project Leader, I can tell you we are at a crossroads for the building project.  We have successfully navigated through the pandemic, the financial storm that followed, demonstrations, social unrest and the uncertainly of the season. We have scratched and clawed our way up the financial “thermometer” to the point we can almost see the light at the end of the tunnel.

There has been no shortage of challenges along the way, but through it all, I can tell you this, Ashley Ridge Church as a congregation, has been outstanding in its determination to keep the church and building effort going under the most difficult of circumstances.  It has fed those in need, given generously and sacrificially to the General Fund and recorded some amazing totals with regards to the Building Surge.

I would like to be able to tell you that it has been enough, that we are there, done, finished with the fundraising, but I can’t.  As the Project Leader, it is my responsibility to see the mission is accomplished, and until James is on stage with the fabulous AR Band and Pastor Jenn is bringing us another inspiring message from our new facility in Summers Corner, we still have work to do, funds to raise and challenges to overcome.

The next two tasks are heavy lifts and will require an abundance of spiritual muscle and sacrifice, but I believe, when accomplished, it will get us over the hump.  The first task is paying for the land.  As of August 10th we need 167K to be able to say “paid-for” or yell “we’re debt free,” and second, the civil engineering phase must start very soon if we are to keep to our timeline of having a building completed by the end of 2021.

Please pray for our church, its ministry and the building project that we may find a way to take these next key steps in the building effort.

If you would like to make a contribution to the General Fund or Building Surgeyou can do so here.

 

                                                            Derrick Horres, Project Leader

Building Update

August 14

Building Update 014 – Financial Report

               August 14                       Building Update 014

          “Financial Report”

“Financial Report” is the fourth in the series of summer updates that focuses on financial aspects of the building financing plan – the first three being Exciting News, Summer Surge, and Unity of Effort.  If you have not read these important updates, you can do so by clicking here.

Financial Update.  Thanks to your generous support, Regular Giving and Building Surge contributions recorded some amazing totals in July!  The General Fund received an impressive $58,272.46 and created $8,272.46 in margin for the month.  This margin will be used to pay for survey work on the building site by Parker Land Surveying, LLC.  The work is ongoing, but results should be available very soon.

Building Surge.  Again, thanks to your generous support during the month of July, the Building Surge generated an additional $13,136.82 in contributions which will go toward paying for the land.  The Building Surge Fund has received a total $106,694.40 YTD with more coming in every month.

Land Loan.  With contributions received from the Christmas Offering in 2019 and the Building Surge this year, Ashley Ridge Church has been able to make several large principle reduction payments on the land loan in addition to making monthly mortgages payments further reducing the loan amount. As of August 10th, we need an additional 167K to finish paying for the land.

While we have made significant progress paying for the land under very difficult circumstances, it is absolutely critical to the building effort that the loan be paid-off as soon as possible as this will allow Building Surge contributions to be used for other building related expenses and clear the way for Ashley Ridge Church to seek bank financing when the time comes.  We can get this done – Together!

   

If you would like to make a contribution to the General Fund or Building Surgeyou can do so here.

 

                                                            Derrick Horres, Project Leader

Building Update

July 31

Building Update 013

                                                                                                  

   July 31                           Building Update 013

           “Unity of Effort”

“Unity of Effort” is the third in the series of summer updates that focuses on  financial aspects of the building financing plan – the first two being “Exciting News” and “Summer Surge.”  If you have not read these important updates, you can do so by clicking here.

With more exciting news to report, I can now confirm we are in the midst of a summer Surge as contributions have increased significantly in the past few weeks and will likely continue through August and into September. The Building Surge Total YTD has blown past the 90K mark and currently stands at $98,458.83 just shy of six figures. This is up $12,436.83 for the month (as of July 29th).  The General Fund has received $54,360.42 MTD and has created $4,360.42 margin so far with 3 days left to go in July.

The Building Surge fund has received 142 contributions YTD with an average $693.37 per contribution as Regular Giving and Building Surge giving are now being leveraged by the sheer numbers of individuals and families participating in the fundraising effort.  This has created a “Unity of Effort” among our church family with more and more jumping on board and pulling on the rope!

“Unity of Effort” is exactly what we had been hoping for during the planning process as the large amount of capital needed to support the building project can only be accomplished with widespread congregational participation.  Thanks to all of you we are getting it done and moving the For SVL Building Project forward under the most difficult of circumstances and conditions!

“A gift opens the way
and ushers the giver into the presence of the great.”

Proverbs 18:16 | NIV

 If you would like to make a contribution to the General Fund or Building Surgeyou can do so at give.ashleyridgechurch.org.

                                                                        Derrick Horres, Project Leader

Building Update

July 20

Building Update 012

   July 20                                                       Building Update 012

        “Summer Surge”

I think we are starting to see the beginning of a “Summer Surge” with respect to contributions to the General Fund and Building Surge!  If this turns out to be the case, it would be “fantastic” news for the For SVL Building Project, and I will tell you why:  Since all Building Surge contributions go to paying for the land first and foremost (which will take longer in the current economic climate), the funds necessary to pay critical, time sensitive land preparation expenses over the next 2-4 months will need to come from additional contributions to the General Fund.  This is only possible with your generous contributions beyond Regular Giving thereby creating margin in the Operating Account.

Using the margin in the Operating Account was always a part of the building financing plan, but there needs to be sufficient funds available to cover the actual cost of the expenses so as not to put undue pressure on the Operating Budget.  Successfully using margin in the Operating Account to pay critical, time sensitive land preparation expenses will accomplish two things:  1) allow the building process to move expeditiously forward and 2) keep the build timeline intact

The three land preparation/building expenses that will need to be paid using Operating Fund margin are as follows:

  • Parker Land Surveying, LLC    $12,200
  • Equip Studio/EquipLABS fee $18,450
  • Civil Engineering Services (TBD)

So, bottom line, we need your continued support with contributions to the General Fund and Building Surge  to move forward with the building process and keep the Operating Account healthy.  If you would like to make a contribution to the General Fund or Building Surgeyou can do so via the church website ashleyridgechurch.org and click on Give.

                                                                                    Derrick Horres, Project Leader

Building Update

July 16

Building Update 011

 July 16                                                                             Building Update 011

        “Exciting News”

I have some “Exciting News”that I just couldn’t wait to share with you on our Building Surge!  We are now officially over 90K in contributions received!  This is up $5,371.25 for July 1-12th.  I can’t tell you how encouraged I am to see these kinds of numbers being generated in the midst of a pandemic and financial crisis!  Your generosity and dedication are truly amazing and inspiring!

Also, with regards to the General Fund, we are 6K over budget for the first half of 2020. Another sign the Stretch in Regular Giving is having its desired effect.  We did dip below the monthly budgeted 50K mark in contributions for June which came in at approximately 43K but overall still up for the year.  This is sooooo important for the For SVL Building Project to keep the Operating Account healthy for long term financial stability.

Thanks to all our difference makers who so generously give of their time, energy, talent and financial resources!  Thanks to you, we continue to move forward with serving the Summerville community and the building process!

If you would like to make a contribution to the General Fund or Building Surgeyou can do so via the church website ashleyridgechurch.org and click on Give.

                                                                                    Derrick Horres, Project Leader

Building Update

July 10

Building Update 010

 July 10                                                 Building Update 010

        “And, we’re off!”

In June, the Leadership Team approved funding from the Operating Account in the amount of $12,200 for Parker Land Surveying, LLC to proceed with survey work on the 10 acre building site in Summers Corner. With this very important first step, Ashley Ridge Church has entered the execution phase of the building process. The Scope of Work will include the following:

  • Topographic Survey
  • Tree Survey (12” hardwoods and 20” pines)
  • Route Survey for sewer to the north (650’)
  • Route Survey for the water along Summers Drive (1,600’)

The above when completed will provide valuable information on how much fill (dirt) will be required to bring the building site up to elevation and code.  This is important for cost analysis and budgetary reasons.

The survey work will be followed by civil engineering services for which we have already received estimates from Cypress Engineering, Seamon Whiteside and Thomas & Hutton. A decision on which company will be performing the work is expected later this summer.

The Scope of Work for the civil engineering services is broken down into the following main areas:  Schematic Design, Construction Documents, Permitting, Construction Administration and Subconsultants

Once the civil engineering is completed and permits are received, actual land preparation can begin.  Timeframe to begin is dependent upon raising the necessary funds to complete the work.

If you would like to make a contribution to the Building Surge, you can do so via the church website ashleyridgechurch.org and click on Give.

                                                                                    Derrick Horres, Project Leader

Building Update

June 22

Building Update 009

    June 22                           Building Update 009

      “The Dream Factory”

Pastor Jenn, Matt Halter and I had the opportunity on June 4th to meet with Trident Construction, our General Contractor (GC) for the For SVL Building Project.  We came away so impressed with the level of expertise, experience and accomplishment of this great company over its almost 40-year run.

It was clear to me that the leaders at Trident not only wanted our business of building the future home of Ashley Ridge Church, but that they were just as committed, dedicated and enthusiastic about the project as we were.  As we all sat together (socially distanced) in their spacious conference room, we discussed the building project and the first steps of getting it off the ground – another piece of the For SVL Building Project puzzle in place!

As we left, we walked by beautiful pictures of past Trident projects, which were proudly displayed on the walls.  Each project was an architectural masterpiece of beauty and design and a dream come true for some business, developer or organization. I thought to myself, one day, the new Ashley Ridge Church could be featured on that hallway wall and Trident Construction is just the company to help us make it happen.  Trident Construction is “the dream Factory” of construction projects, and our dream is now their dream too!

                                                                                    Derrick Horres, Project Leader

Building Update

June 5

Building Update 008

                                                                                                   June 5                          

  “Forward Together”

The initial Surge & Stretch Challenge campaign dates of March 22 – May 31 have come and gone with the following results.  Drum roll please!!!  Dddrrrrrrr! Surge contributions TOTAL: $75,221.72 Thanks to your generous support!  Due to the coronavirus pandemic and financial crisis the Surge & Stretch Challenge 2020 has been extended until the end of the year but will be more focused in its efforts to attain specific results which are crucial to the For SVL Building Project.

“Forward Together” will be the start of a new Surge initiative for the summer of 2020 with the following mission:

To focus attention, communications and Surge contributions toward paying-down/paying-off the land loan secured by the 10 acre building site in Summers Corner between the dates of June 1 – August 31st.

Paying for the land is critical to the success of the For SVL Building Project and for keeping to the build timeline for the following reasons:

  • Since the construction loan will be collateralized (secured) by the land and future building, it is necessary the land be unencumbered (paid-off) prior to seeking the construction loan
  •  The land purchased in 2017 for $450,000 was recently appraised in 2019 for $550,000, therefore, once the land loan is paid-in-full, the church will have significant equity in the project and a track record of meeting and exceeding its financial obligations
  • AR is paying mortgage interest on the current loan principle and when paid down/paid-off, the savings, could be put to good use in the building project or operating account

If you would like to make a contribution to the Building Surge, you can do so via the church website ashleyridgechurch.org and click on Give.

Derrick Horres, Project Leader

Building Update

June 1

Building Post 007

         “Inspiration & Urgency”

I attended the Pop-up Worship Service on May 28th located on the green just outside the entrance to Ashley Ridge High School.  It was so great to see my AR family and actually be Together in the same worship space, but was struck by the thick yellow CAUTION tape strung across the three main double door entrances to the school.  It looked surreal, and to tell you the truth, a little like a crime scene (all collateral damage from the coronavirus pandemic).

I came away inspired from the Pop-up service with a renewed “sense of urgency”for our For SVL Building Project.  Ashley Ridge Church has set in motion the plan that will lead to construction of the new facility in Summer Corner over the next two years, and recommend we proceed as expeditiously and responsibly as possible.

According to the plan, there will be a series of fundraising initiatives over the course of the next two years necessary to make the new AR building a reality.  It will not be easy, but, the reward will be so worth it when we walk into the new facility for the first time and worship Together and begin using a space that grows our ability to be FOR the Summerville community.

With “inspiration”in our quest and a renewed“sense of urgency,” let us as a congregation not hesitate to ask what we can do or continue to do in support of this amazing ministry.  If you would like to make a contribution to the Building Surge,you can do so via the church website (ashleyridgechurch.org) and click on Give.

Derrick Horres, Project Leader

Building Update

May 25

Building Post 006

“Positive Developments”

First, I want to give you a positive development on our Surge & Stretch Challenge
campaign. The Surge has generated $70,018.80 in contributions to date which is
an increase of +$8,554.87 in the past two weeks. Surge contributions continue to
come in each week and we feel momentum is building in this area despite the
headwinds of the coronavirus pandemic and financial crisis. The initial Surge deadline
of May 31 st has been extended to the end of the year to allow 1) those affected
by the current crisis the opportunity to participate in the effort and 2) allow
Ashley Ridge Church the greatest opportunity to reach its Surge 2020 fundraising
goals.

We have also seen positive developments on the building front since our last
update. Pastor Jenn, James Galloway and I had an initial ZOOM conference with
Jonathan Edens, architect on May 18th. Jonathan is with the firm Equip Studio
out of Greenville, SC and has already submitted a Proposal Outline for
Architectural Services which is being reviewed by the church staff and leadership.

In another positive development, I received a call from H. Chapman (Chappy)
McKay, Vice President, Trident Construction. Trident Construction was chosen back in 2017 to be our General Contractor (GC) for the new facility. He has invited representatives from our church leadership to his office for an initial planning meeting. We do not yet have a date for the meeting but hope to in the next couple of weeks. He also has the ability to fast track planning and construction of our new facility saving several months on the timeline.

As you can see, there are many positive developments going on with the For SVL
Building Project, and it will get busier and busier the closer we get to breaking
ground on the new Ashley Ridge Church facility. But, nothing is bigger or more
important than your continuous support and generous financial gifts which makes
this all possible!

Derrick Horres, Project Leader

Building Update

May 8

Building Post 005

“Crunching the Numbers”

Pastor Jenn has been doing a new sermon series the past two weeks entitled IN THE MEANTIME”which has been a rallying cry for me.  I have been so expectant to get the For SVL Building Project off the ground and wanted to see and show the congregation concrete progress on the building front, and we are making steady progress.  But, never in my wildest dreams did I think we would be trying to accomplish this in the middle of a worldwide pandemic and financial crisis!

Since becoming the Project Leader late last year, I have been “crunching the numbers”i.e. numbers for building square footage, numbers for financing and interest rates, accrued interest numbers, payment amount numbers, construction budget numbers and numbers for the Surge & StretchChallenge. You name it, and I’ve crunched it!

As a retired U.S. Marine logistician, I am used to “crunching numbers.”  It’s what I do and trained for, and I am going to continue “crunching the numbers”until the new AR building is sitting on the 10 acres of land in Summers Corner!

It’s not going to be easy, and it never really was, but with the coronavirus pandemic and the financial uncertainty, it’s going to be extremely challenging to say the least, take more determination and commitment, more generosity and sacrifice than we could have ever imagined before. Pastor Jenn calls it spiritual muscle, and I figure you only get spiritual muscle by spiritual weight lifting.

They say, we will transition eventually to a “new normal” and things will get better, clearer and less uncertain.  IN THE MEANTIME, we continue to seek God’s will and wisdom and stay focused on the task at hand and modify and adjust the plan as needed.

Back to the numbers, though!  I want to give you the big picture of where we are and what we are up against.  The Surge has generated $61,463.93 in contributions to date (as of May 5th) which is remarkable considering the current economic climate.  The Stretch Challenge may add additional funds because Regular Giving has been over the 50K mark for the past three months, but it remains to be seen if this will result in a surplus at year end.

The Surge 2020 Goal of 400K is broken down into 280K for paying-off land, 100K establishing a reserve fund and 20K for architectural design fees.  This means we still need $338,536.07 in Surge contributions to accomplish all the above and keep to the project timeline.

Can it be done?  Absolutely!  I have recommended to Pastor Jenn that we extend the Surge & Stretch Challenge deadline past May 31st to allow everyone the opportunity to participate that may have been affected by the current pandemic and economic crisis.  We will have more information on this as it becomes available.

IN THE MEANTIME, we continue to seek God’s will and wisdom and stay focused on the task at hand and modify and adjust the plan as needed.

Derrick Horres, Project Leader

Building Update

April 27

Building Post 004

It has been a while since our last update and we wanted to share with you what’s been happening on the building front.  First, the Surge and Stretch Challenge, which is how we will be financing the For SVL Building Project (along with bank financing), is off and running.  As of April 21st, the Surge has generated $48,759.50 in contributions (with more coming in every week) while the Stretch Challenge continues to add margin to the Operating Fund.  This is all by design and is working well even through the current health and financial crisis thanks to your dedication and generous support!

The funds received from the Surge and Stretch Challenge will allow us to pay down/pay off the land loan, establish a reserve fund and pay architectural design fees and preliminary land preparation costs.  Here is the Commitment Card you can fill-out and send in online, or if you would like to just make a contribution to the Building Surge, you can do via the Ashley Ridge app or by going to www.ashleyridgechurch.org and clicking on Give.

Our Building Team Civil Engineer, Matt Halter, is getting proposals from at least two local surveying companies on work which will need to be accomplished to prepare the land for construction.  We are also planning or meeting soon with our architectural firm, Equip Studio, for the redesign of the new church building as soon as funds become available.

Thank you for your continued prayers and involvement as we move forward to love and serve the Summerville community!

Derrick Horres, Project Leader

Building Update

March 21

Building Update 003

So much has changed in the last week and we’re all doing what we can to find our way through it and figure out how to proceed in these different circumstances. We will find our way – TOGETHER!

If you weren’t able to join us live on Thursday night for the virtual Family Meeting, you can watch it here. In the meeting, Jenn shares our plan and also the changes we’re making. One of the things you’ll hear is that we are continuing with our Building Surge, which officially kicks off tomorrow! Here is the commitment card you can fill out and send in online. We know this surge and our commitments will be different and we will likely need to extend it based on the length and realities of the present health crisis. Our heart behind all of it is to continue as a church so we can love and serve our community for the long term. We need God and we need each other!

Tomorrow morning (Sunday, March 22nd), we will be breaking our 21-day fast and gathering online for worship at 10am via live.ashleyridgechurch.org. We hope you will join us and also invite friends and family near and far to tune in from wherever they are. The building is closed, but Church is open!

Building Update

March 2

Building Update 002

Yesterday (March 1) we kicked off a 21-day fast – our first corporate fast at Ashley Ridge Church! As we prepare to make a big Surge forward in our building process, we’re asking God to clear the way. This is a significant season in the life of our church, and to help us communicate with everyone, we’re holding a series of “Family Meetings” where we’ll be sharing more details and taking lots of time for Q&A. We hope you’ll join us for one of the gatherings listed below:

Tuesday, March 10th at 6:30pm at The Ponds Farmhouse

Wednesday, March 11th at 6:30pm at the Church Office

Sunday, March 15th immediately following worship in the Library at Ashley Ridge

Ashley Ridge needs a house. Summerville needs a home.

Building Update

February 8

Building Update 001

In November of 2017, after a decade of talks and relationship with West Rock, we closed on 10 acres of land in the now blossoming area off of Highway 61 near 17-A. The land sits at the intersection of the first three phases of Summers Corner including the original section and the new Azalea Ridge area. We also have an option for a future purchase of an additional 10 adjacent acres to make a 20 acre parcel. Adjacent to neighborhoods like Legend Oaks, Victoria Pointe, and the The Ponds, Summers Corner now hosts the Rollings Middle School of the Arts as well as Sand Hill Elementary School and a Publix shopping center coming soon. Growth in the area is picking up speed and we are excited about the potential for our permanent home base for ministry in Summerville. In the last 90 days in the Azalea Ridge section alone over 70 homes have been sold. We have the opportunity to be an integral part of the fabric of Summerville for decades to come. Take a drive down Summers Drive sometime and look for our sign. Stay tuned for more updates!

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